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U.S. Senator Chris Coons "Swears in" Sanford City Officials
U.S. Senator Chris Coons traveled from Washington, D. C. to officially “swear-in” fourth graders Dino Ameer, Isabella Atwood, and Abigail Smith as mayors of Sanford City.
For the next five weeks, teachers Sue Bachtle, Missy Bloom, and Brittany Fonock will focus on a multi-disciplinary unit of study that brings real world jobs and responsibilities to the forefront of their young students’ thinking. "Even though we've been doing this economic simulation for years, we continue to improve it each year. As we focus on entrepreneurship, citizenship and economics we tailor it to our students interests, skill set and passions,” shared Bloom.
The three young mayors will join other classmates who are elected to the city council, and they will help run things until the conclusion of the project. Every student will have a job, which might run the gamut from sanitation engineer to loan officer to city politician. When speaking to the students, Coons advised those in governing jobs to, “listen to the people and always do what is right.”
Additionally, all students come up with a product, service, or game to “sell” for Sanford City bucks, which are necessary to pay the weekly rent for their desk space, electricity, and extra space if needed for market day. Students may take out a loan, at 10% interest, which they must pay back from their market day profits. Those who find a popular item to sell, might find themselves in a position to deposit money into the Sanford City Bank, which pays 10% interest on their investment. Jordan Shirley observed: “I really want to save my money, but sometimes I have to pay my bills first.”
In aligning with Sanford’s mission to provide healthy dietary options, Sanford City decided to no longer offer food items for sale, as those tended to be sweets. The students demonstrated extraordinary creativity in using their maximum allotment of $25 real dollars for their offerings. Some opted for a no expense option, such as selling fresh cut flowers in pretty water bottles, setting up a golf putt-putt shot, or even reading to younger students for a fee. Others sold stress balls, SLIME, seedlings in paper cups, or homemade magnets. One resourceful student purchased a shell wreath at a flea market and disassembled it, only to reuse the shells in barrettes, necklaces, and other decorative items. “It has been so hard for me save money,” noted Abby Krape, “because I really want to buy more SLIME!”
Each week there is a scheduled shopping time, where Sanford community members and families receive $15 in Sanford City cash to use for their purchases. Older Sanford students love to return to the Lower School for these shopping days, as they remember their own experiences with great fondness. Bachtle, who also coordinated the visit from Senator Coons, noted: “The older students often look for fourth graders who do not seem to be selling much. They always make sure that those students get some business, which is truly one of the special aspects of Sanford. Also, it is not exclusively about the product. All students have an opportunity to earn extra Sanford City cash by going above and beyond in any area, especially when it comes to helping others or demonstrating exceptional kindness.”
Sanford City is truly an engaging and unique program enjoyed by the fourth graders. Having Senator Chris Coons present as an honored dignitary made it just that much more special, and in Coons’ words: “A Delaware first.” The children delighted in asking Senator Coons about his duties as a senator, and he reciprocated by asking about their time at Sanford. “I was eager to hear about what the students were learning about, including Delaware history!”
Sanford City and the visit with Senator Coons are sure to be lasting memories for the fourth graders.
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The three young mayors will join other classmates who are elected to the city council, and they will help run things until the conclusion of the project. Every student will have a job, which might run the gamut from sanitation engineer to loan officer to city politician. When speaking to the students, Coons advised those in governing jobs to, “listen to the people and always do what is right.”
Additionally, all students come up with a product, service, or game to “sell” for Sanford City bucks, which are necessary to pay the weekly rent for their desk space, electricity, and extra space if needed for market day. Students may take out a loan, at 10% interest, which they must pay back from their market day profits. Those who find a popular item to sell, might find themselves in a position to deposit money into the Sanford City Bank, which pays 10% interest on their investment. Jordan Shirley observed: “I really want to save my money, but sometimes I have to pay my bills first.”
In aligning with Sanford’s mission to provide healthy dietary options, Sanford City decided to no longer offer food items for sale, as those tended to be sweets. The students demonstrated extraordinary creativity in using their maximum allotment of $25 real dollars for their offerings. Some opted for a no expense option, such as selling fresh cut flowers in pretty water bottles, setting up a golf putt-putt shot, or even reading to younger students for a fee. Others sold stress balls, SLIME, seedlings in paper cups, or homemade magnets. One resourceful student purchased a shell wreath at a flea market and disassembled it, only to reuse the shells in barrettes, necklaces, and other decorative items. “It has been so hard for me save money,” noted Abby Krape, “because I really want to buy more SLIME!”
Each week there is a scheduled shopping time, where Sanford community members and families receive $15 in Sanford City cash to use for their purchases. Older Sanford students love to return to the Lower School for these shopping days, as they remember their own experiences with great fondness. Bachtle, who also coordinated the visit from Senator Coons, noted: “The older students often look for fourth graders who do not seem to be selling much. They always make sure that those students get some business, which is truly one of the special aspects of Sanford. Also, it is not exclusively about the product. All students have an opportunity to earn extra Sanford City cash by going above and beyond in any area, especially when it comes to helping others or demonstrating exceptional kindness.”
Sanford City is truly an engaging and unique program enjoyed by the fourth graders. Having Senator Chris Coons present as an honored dignitary made it just that much more special, and in Coons’ words: “A Delaware first.” The children delighted in asking Senator Coons about his duties as a senator, and he reciprocated by asking about their time at Sanford. “I was eager to hear about what the students were learning about, including Delaware history!”
Sanford City and the visit with Senator Coons are sure to be lasting memories for the fourth graders.
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