Poverty in Schools

Today we started out by listening to Council member Mr. Austin talk about his job and explain about what he does for the city. After Mr. Austin’s talk we traveled to the garden level Moody Library computer lab to play iCivics, Lawcraft and Represent Me!, then after a few rounds of iCivics we started writing our letters to public representatives, such as council members, city mangers, and mayors. We then went to lunch and after lunch we visited the bears. After our brief stop we traveled back to the library to finish our letters and start research on Programs that do clothing drives, free school supplies, free transportation, and other drives. After research time was over we had a brief discussion about the different programs. We then started our personal reflections, after the reflections we went to closing and that concludes the day.
-Adam

Describe the three most important things your learned today about your issue and/or being an active citizen.

1. Who the city council member is in Lorena.
2. How to contact your representatives.
3. The different ways you can voice your opinion.

-Emma

Do you think that you can make a difference in your community? How?

Yes. I can make a difference by writing my representatives. -Hayoung

What did you like most about today- besides lunch? Why was it your favorite activity?

Working on making our group logo for our project. -Joah

What is one thing you would like to know more about?

How the council members address city problems that are brought to their attention. – Adam

What questions do you have for U.S. Representative Bill Flores tomorrow?

What is your moral basis when voting on bills? -David

Today we visited the Baylor School of Law and  learned about Texas’ court system from professional attorneys, lawyers, and judges. First, the Dean of the Law School spoke with us about how to get involved in law as a career. Next, we ate lunch (the best part) and then made our way to the first station. There, Chief Justice Tom Gray explained to us the process of a court case. We discussed the differences between general and civil cases etc .  Next, we learned about the impact of a juror in a court and the voice as have as a citizen. After this, a lawyer from Mission Waco talked to our group about supporting people in court that cannot afford a lawyer.   At the end,  two lawyers taught us about their work as criminal  and civil attorneys.  We ended the day with a big group picture in front of the elegant law building.

-Jada & Hayoung

Describe the three most important things you learned today.

1. You can be able to change your community by learning your rights.
2. Not everyone can get legal help, so don’t forget to help others.
3. You have a blessed life so be thankful!

-Adam

How will learning about the trial process, jury process, and forming a good argument help you be a more active citizen?

You can become a lawyer, as week as an informed citizen. – David

Based on what you learned today, do you think that you can make a difference in your community? How?

Yes. When I get older, I will be able to participate in court cases. – Hayoung

What did you like most about today- besides lunch? Why was it your favorite activity? 

Playing We The Jury! It was fun! – Josh

What is one thing you would like to know more about?

I would like to know more about being in a court trial. – Jada

Describe the  most important things you learned today.

• Facts about JFK assassination
• Facts about poverty in Waco.

-Emma

What community issue did your group choose to investigate? Why?

• Poverty and the effect it has on students. We came to the conclusion as a group. – Adam

What have you learned about being an active citizen today?

• That anyone can make a difference. – Jada

Do you think that you can make a difference in your community? How?

• Yes, by spreading awareness or starting an organization. – Adam

What did you like most about today – besides lunch? 

• Counties work, the iCivics game we played.

What is one thing you want to know more about?

• JFK, someone mentioned him at Poage library. – Josh

Today was our first day of iEngage, and John Engelhardt (The Dean) opened the morning session for us. We named ourselves the Activators!

Afterwards, we played icivics on the iMacs. Then we walked across campus to the dining hall and ate a delicious lunch.  We listened to several lobbyists telling us about various issues relevant to Waco. I am looking forward to the rest of the week!

-David

Describe the three most important things you learned today?

1. That I can lend a helping hand.
2. That we can help end poverty.
3. We should take care of our town.

-Jada

What community issue did your group choose to investigate? Why?

• Poverty. As a group we agreed that it is a big issue in Waco. – Joshua

What have you learned about being a citizen today?

• You need to be actively voting and lawful. -Adam

Do you think that you can make a difference in your community? How?

• Yes! Becoming an eagle scout, and volunteering. -David

What did you like most about today – besides lunch? Why was it your favorite?

• I liked the games. It was educational, but still fun! -Hayoung

Use this page as a space to reflect on the day using the guiding questions in the student guide.