Poudre School District: Election Day Measures

Today is Election Day, and as we approach the post-election period, we recognize that students across Poudre School District may bring questions, emotions, and diverse perspectives into the classroom. The 2024 presidential election has been widely discussed in the media, at home, and within communities, making it a timely and relevant topic for many students. To support PSD staff in navigating potential election-related conversations, we’ve crafted these developmentally appropriate guidelines to help create safe, inclusive spaces for learning. 

These guidelines aim to foster respect, empathy, and civil discourse, equipping students with the tools to engage thoughtfully with one another while encouraging critical thinking and responsible citizenship. By maintaining a balanced, supportive approach, educators can facilitate meaningful dialogue that aligns with our district’s values of inclusivity, respect, and civic engagement.

Early Elementary (K-2)

• Keep it Simple and Safe: Focus on concepts like fairness, kindness, and taking turns. Use examples from familiar activities like classroom voting or choosing a story to read.

• Encourage Empathy: Use age-appropriate books or stories to help students understand the importance of respecting others’ feelings and opinions.

• Set Friendly Boundaries: Remind students of classroom norms around respect and kindness, especially when discussing personal feelings about topics or people.

Upper Elementary (3-5)

• Introduce Civics Lightly: Explain that elections are how people choose leaders and that everyone’s voice matters. Discuss basic principles like voting and fairness without diving into complex political issues.

• Respect and Listening: Reinforce listening skills by encouraging students to consider how others might feel. Use phrases like, “How would you feel?” or “Let’s listen to each other’s ideas.”

• Model Calm and Curiosity: If opinions arise, guide students to share respectfully and to explore differences with curiosity rather than judgment.

Middle School (6-8)

• Foster Civil Discourse: Introduce the concept of “civil discourse,” emphasizing respectful listening and discussion. Define the difference between an argument and a disagreement.

• Guide Exploration of Media: Encourage students to think critically about news and online sources, discussing how to identify reliable information.

• Prepare for Differences: Model and encourage the skill of respectfully agreeing to disagree. Frame classroom conversations around learning and curiosity rather than debate.

High School (9-12)

• Encourage Informed Discussion: Facilitate discussions that allow students to explore issues critically and respectfully. 

• Promote Media Literacy: Guide students in evaluating sources, differentiating facts from opinions, and recognizing bias.

• Set Classroom Norms for Respect: Emphasize the importance of empathy, constructive dialogue, and responsible citizenship, reminding students of the value in learning from diverse perspectives.

For all levels, keep conversations respectful, avoid endorsing any political views, and remind students of the classroom’s role as a safe space for constructive discussion. These guidelines support Poudre School District’s commitment to fostering informed, empathetic, and engaged citizens.

Mental Health Resources

We cannot control people’s feelings or reactions to election results, but we can support the climate in our classrooms. Regulated adults help students stay regulated, so please take care of yourself. Adults who are struggling can contact EAS at 970-488-4925 or visit the PSD staff page for mental health resources. They can also consult with mental health professionals in their building if questions or concerns arise or if they would like ideas for regulation activities beyond the following:

• Music breaks (playing in the classroom or student's choice - 60-80 bpm)

• Movement breaks (extra recess, walks, getting outside)

• Sensory options (rainbow walks, mints - if age appropriate, stuffed animal day, pajama day, art or coloring projects, reduce bright lights)

• Play/laughter (showing funny videos, try not to laugh contests)

• Connection time (gratitude, affirmation, compliment time)

• Breath work (lots of slow deep breaths)

• Rhythm (walks, marching, PE, music, tossing balls back and forth)

Mental Health and Support Resources include:

• Incident Report (for reporting non-Title IX incidents, such as bullying and discrimination)

• Summitstone/Longview 970-494-4200 (for emergency mental health)

• Safe2Tell (for reporting safety concerns, suicidal ideation, fights, and other concerns)

• Colorado Crisis Services (support and counseling for yourself or loved one)

• 988 (National Suicide Lifeline for mental health and emotional support)

• Northern Colorado Community Resource Guide