In an effort to bring civics to life, VTHS Social Studies teacher Kelsey Falkowski reached out to the candidates in the 5th congressional district to speak to his students about the campaign process. This past Friday, his AP US Government and Politics class, joined by Mr. Matt Trokan’s AP US history class and Mr. Justin LaBouseur’s Cultural Geography class, participated in a virtual conversation as Democratic candidate Josh Gottheimer skyped in to the VTHS Upper Library for a one-hour discussion on politics and government. Students questioned Mr. Gottheimer on a litany of highly engaging topics including campaign finance, the impact of interest groups, drafting legislation, and running a campaign. As Mr. Falkowski notes, “Nothing makes a political theory class come alive more than talking to those involved in the campaign process.” This opportunity offered a real-world connection for students in bringing the civic process directly to the students. Mr. Falkowski is attempting to coordinate a similar event with Congressmen Garret to hopefully take place in the next few weeks.
