by Margot Story NEW YORK CITY- The outcome of Deborah and Joel’s Class Election has put the class in tatters. How will they ever calm down? On the morning of November 21st, Deborah and Joel’s Fourth Grade were excited, anxious and nervous. The ballots should have been counted by now. The candidates were just starting to think that the ballots were never counted, when a LREI News reporter came in with a stack of breaking news articles. Everyone rushed to grab an article, desperate and anxious to find out who the class president was. But then their jaws dropped. Articles fell on the floor. Hands were thrust in frustration. “What?!” s came out of their mouths as they read about how there was a five-way tie, leaving them with no president. Most candidates were angry, and felt like all their hard work was for nothing. Some demanded a recount. But then things took a turn of events. Every classmate figured out that even if their friend Zen Ze Chen was absent on voting day, and that left them with an even number of votes that could be split into five equal parts, poll worker Crosby Gersh said that he didn’t vote, so that left them with an odd number of votes, leaving them with no way to split the ballots up into five equal parts. They next found out that there was a winner, just that their teachers didn’t want anyone feeling left out, or their feelings were hurt. That exploded the class into total madness. However, Gersh has a different view. “I think it was the right thing to do.” Gersh said. “None of them had the right idea, and that’s why I didn’t vote.” ]]>

by Joel Zigman and Deborah Hodge NEW YORK, NY – The results of Deborah and Joel’s Fourth Grade Class election, held on Friday, November 18th at LREI, are finally in. Weeks of hard work from reporters, poll workers, presidential and vice presidential candidates, and staff have led up to this moment. In a shocking turn of events, with 20 ballots cast, it is a five-way tie between Asher and Avery (“We’re one unit”), Romy and Suko (“If I win you win”), Alden and Bailey (“If I win community is in”), Makeda and Gia (“Homework revolution”), and Miles and Alex (“I’ll run Miles to make you happy”)! “We couldn’t believe it at first,” said head teacher Deborah Hodge. “We recounted the ballots multiple times and every time it was a tie. I’m glad we have a happy ending to this fun and creative project. It could also be considered a beginning!” Throughout this great learning process, thoughtful ideas were put forth. Ideas about more fun, more recess, more time between transitions, fair kickball games, and building a healthy community. The teachers have been listening carefully. “I’m so proud of the passion, energy, and excitement each student put into this project,” said associate teacher Joel Zigman. “Deborah and I are going to do our best to incorporate all of the creative ideas the students brought to us into the classroom routine.” It was clear in the last debate how well the fourth grade students heard each other’s ideas, and how all the ideas complement each other. Perhaps this means it’s better to share ideas and work together as a team. ]]>