Helping and advocating for animals this spring!

Hey Everyone!

I've had a busy spring working on my platform Helping Animals, Those Without A Voice. I'd like to tell you what I've been up to!

A few weeks ago, I went to Pet of the Week at Fox News with Susan Wollschlager from the Connecticut Humane Society. The featured pet was a puppy named Scotty who got adopted right away! What a great way to get animals adopted. I also had the chance to share my platform with the host, Erika Arias, and viewers. You can watch our video below. 

I also visited the CT Humane Society in Newington, and met some cool dogs and cats. I also learned some really cool facts about animals, like did you know that cats only meow to people and not other cats? I met Executive Director Gordon Willard and spent time with Elizabeth Timpe, their Community Outreach Manager, learning about the animal educational programs the Humane Society does.

In April, I went up to the State Capitol in Hartford on Animal Therapy Day. They were having a press conference about a bill which they wanted to make into a law. It was about allowing animals in court to help children who are testifying. Tell me if you would vote yes or no on this bill. I had fun but learned an awful lot, too.

I also held a collection drive at my school and we collected over 500 items and $140.00 dollars that we donated to my local pound. Fun fact: we donated $50 dollars a few months ago and it helped a dog who needed eye surgery. Now Daisy the dog has been healed and adopted. Give a big huge cheer for Daisy winning her fight and my school for helping Daisy get better and find a new home.

Did your school hold a collection drive this spring? Email me how your school did, and you can get a shout out in one of my blog posts! Just email me at CKGJessica@kidgovernor.org.

Keep up the great work guys! Lets continue to help those without a voice!

Your Kid Governor,

Announcing the 2017-18 Connecticut's Kid Governor Kickoff Workshop!

A message from your friends at the Connecticut Public Affairs Network...

Join us for our first ever Kickoff Workshop as we officially launch Connecticut's Kid GovernorSM 2017-18! 

Wednesday, May 17, 2017 

5:00pm-7:15pm

Central Connecticut State University

Social Sciences Hall, Rooms #123 and #126

1615 Stanley Street, New Britain, CT 06050

REGISTER HERE by Friday, May 12, 2017.

Come join 5th grade teachers and administrators from across the state, State Social Studies Consultant Steve Armstrong, and the staff from Connecticut's Kid Governor (CKG) to learn more about the program!


The Kickoff Workshop will feature two tracks:

• Teachers and Administrators who are NEW to the CKG program: Get an introduction to the program; learn how your class can participate; and learn more about the program Toolkits and lesson plans. You'll also hear from Donna Stuart (CKG Jessica's teacher) about the Kid Governor program, and learn about other tools and resources to enhance your students' CKG experience! 
• Teachers and Administrators who are RETURNING to the CKG program: Participate in a recap and discussion of the 2016-2017 program; hear from teachers who created unique, collaborative, school-wide, and even district-wide CKG experiences this past year; and develop new ideas for expanding and enriching student participation in the 2017-18 program. Bring a local high school social studies teacher along if you'd like to learn about elementary/high school collaborations!

BENEFITS OF ATTENDING:

• Full overview and scope of CKG from the program's creators! (including tips and tricks for success) 
• Free printed copy of the "Toolkit for Classes Nominating a Candidate and Voting" (lesson plans) 
• Free autographed copy of "E is for Election Day" book by author Gloria Davis for the first 25 registrants 
• Insight into the Red, White & Blue Schools initiative (brought to you by the State Dept. of Education and Secretary of the State's Office 
• Pizza and refreshments provided 

If you are interested in participating in Connecticut's Kid Governor 2017-18, taking your class' participation to the next level, or simply learning more about the program, this workshop is for you!

REGISTER HERE!

Questions? Email Brian.Cofrancesco@kidgovernor.org or visit CT.KidGovernor.org.

Connecticut’s Kid Governor is a national award-winning statewide civics program created by the Connecticut Public Affairs Network and made possible in part through support from the Connecticut Council for the Social Studies and Connecticut State Department of Education.

Special shout-outs to people helping animals!

I want to start by giving shout-outs to everyone who is collecting donations like toys, treats, food, blankets, or towels for their local pounds and shelters! To learn more about holding a collection drive, read my blog post "Help animals in your community by planning a spring collection drive!" or visit CT.KidGovernor.org/collection-drives.

Reading through messages left for me by students and adults in my office at the Old State House!

I would also like to give shout-outs to those who have recently visited my Kid Governor Office at Connecticut's Old State House. Students and visitors have participated in my "Helping Animals" activity by writing what they can do to help animals on paper animal cut outs. Special shout outs to:

• Sofia Merino who said, “Less cages more freedom." How inspiring!
• Jayla from Manchester who said she could hold a can drive. Really cool!
• Angelica said to “treat them like family." That's very nice!
• Camila said to “put a container with water in the streets for the stray dogs." That is very thoughtful! 

A few of the animal cut-outs left behind by visitors to my office. Read them for more ideas on how you can help animals, those without a voice!

Thank you everyone for giving great ideas about what we can do to help animals. Thank you all for all of your support. I really appreciate it!

Your Kid Governor,