Four Southern California schools have been recognized as 2023 California Democracy Schools. Pantera Elementary School from Pomona Unified School District, along with Gilbert High School, Hope School and Sycamore Junior High School, all from the Anaheim Union High School District were honored during an award ceremony at the Richard Nixon Presidential Library on May 6th. 

“Learning about history and civic engagement empowers students to understand the world, develop critical thinking skills, become active citizens and promote cultural understanding,” said Dr. Michelle Herczog, Coordinator III, History and Social Science at the Los Angeles County Office of Education (LACOE). “These skills are valuable not only in history but also in other academic disciplines and real-life situations.” 

At Pantera Elementary, sixth grade students were invited to select an issue of importance to them and proceed to investigate the issue, engage in civil dialogue, communicate conclusions, and reach out to policymakers to propose solutions. The students gave presentations focused on three issues: climate change, LGBTQ discrimination, and the housing crisis.   

At Sycamore Junior High School, students learned about plastics and ways human activity has impacted the planet. They talked about how their lifestyle habits may contribute to climate change and explored solutions that can lead to a sustainable future. One solution involved the establishment of a clothing recycling program. Students collected over 1,200 signatures and reached out to the principal, district, and school board to attain clothing recycling bins on campus.  Many students also raised awareness of the issue by making posters, PSAs, videos, art projects, and organizing awareness events.   

At Hope School, the Associated Student Body wanted to improve food choices in the cafeteria. Students reached out to the principal, district, and food services division at the district to express their need for better food. The Director and Assistant Director of Food Services met with students, listened to their concerns, and prepared a “tasting” of new options. As a result, new food options were introduced along with new refrigeration needed. 

At Gilbert High School, students identified mental health as their top concern. Students investigated the issue by visiting a mental health clinic, surveying peers, and studying the Mental Health Alliance.  They engaged in civil dialogue, communicated conclusions in the form of Soapbox speeches, and will be reaching out to California Assemblywoman Sharon Quirk-Silva to propose an idea for legislation. Their proposal is initiate a bill to allow students to have two excused mental health absences each year. 

The goal of the California Democracy School Award program is to recognize elementary, middle, and high schools that are providing high quality civic learning for all students as part of an integrated curricular program or stand-alone curriculum across one or more grade levels. The program is available to K-12 schools across the state.  

In addition to the California Democracy School Award, Sierra Vista Middle School in the Hacienda La Puente Unified School District and Towers Elementary School in the Torrance Unified School District were also honored with LACOE’s Civic Engagement Recognition Program at the ceremony. The event also featured keynote speaker Kenneth B. Morris Jr., the great-great-great grandson of Frederick Douglass, and great-great grandson of Booker T. Washington. 

For more information on the program or about civic learning training, contact Dr. Michelle Herczog at Herczog_Michelle@lacoe.edu.