Team+Jupiter+President

Who Will Be The Next Team Jupiter President?

On team Jupiter we have a fine tradition of student government. For the past few years, we have experimented with a team president, vice-president, and a cabinet or group of advisors that have worked together with the teachers to improve the educational experience for all Jupitarians. This is something we take very seriously, so the student who steps up and takes this role must also be serious and committed to the job. The position can be very rewarding but it is also a lot of work. Since this is not a curricular activity, this is also work that will take place outside of class, so think long and hard about that before you decide if you want to be a candidate. Below you will find a list of items that a candidate must complete before they can officially run for office as well as a description of the events that will take place leading up to the election.

__**How do I become a candidate? **__ Every candidate needs to develop a platform or set of beliefs that they stand for. The platform lets the voters know what the candidate plans to do for them if they are elected. Listed below are some real school issues that every candidate should decide their opinion on and be prepared to explain their ideas and opinions about them. You should also be thinking of some original ideas that you have to make our team and school better.

-school uniforms

-dress code

-recess/activity period

-bullying (what can be done about it) -technology (what kind and how to use it) -team activities or functions

-school dances

-lunch period

-advisory

-pep rallies and assemblies -gum chewing

-field trips

Once the potential candidate has developed his/her platform, they must complete the following activities:

-Select a running mate for the role of VP

-Select a campaign manager to assist in getting the work completed with/for the candidate

-Select a President from our country’s history that you admire and use them for inspiration (this will require research and should appear throughout your campaign)

-Create a campaign poster that has the candidate’s picture, views, and a slogan

-Create a commercial that has the candidate expressing their platform

-Prepare and record a campaign speech that will be shown to the voters prior to the live debate

-Prepare for and participate in a live debate in front of our team

-Election immediately following the debate

__**Timeline for the election: **__

__**September 11th**__: Candidates will need to announce their intentions to run for the office of president to Mr. Repsch

__**September 18th**__: Campaign poster due

posters should have the following items:

-candidates names -pictures of the Presidential and VP candidates -a campaign slogan -key ideas or beliefs from the candidate's platform -Mr. Repsch has examples

__** September 25 th **__ : Commercial due

Commercial Info:

Your commercial for President should be an opportunity to show/explain the students some of your ideas that you have. You should try to point out what you would do if elected president. The commercial can be funny if you want but remember that there is a certain level of seriousness to the this project. Use this check list to help you write the script for your commercial.

---Show the candidate

---Show your ideas or beliefs

---Show the United States President that you admire most

---Do not be critical of other candidates

---Record it using your iPad.

__**October 5th**__: Campaign Speech

-speeches should be prepared and practiced -5 minute maximum length -discuss why you would make a great choice for President -discuss a United States President that you admire and why you admire him -speeches will be delivered to your social studies class and recorded for the rest of the classes to see

__** October 21st: Presidential Debate and Election **__

Each candidate and VP will participate in a town hall style debate. The majority of questions will be provided ahead of time, however some questions will be a surprise so that the team can see how well you think on your feet. This debate will take place live and in front of the entire team. The team will vote immediately following the debate.

__**Final Words: **__ The teachers of team Jupiter take this activity very seriously and we are only interested in having serious candidates participate and be a part of our student government. Candidates who fail to meet deadlines or who attempt to make a mockery of this activity will not be allowed to participate. This level of responsibility is not for everyone. Not every seventh grader can step in and be a leader for our entire team. However, someone out there can. Someone will take this incredible opportunity to experience democracy and use it for the betterment of their fellow classmates. Someone will risk the heartache of defeat for the shot at glory. Will that someone be you?