A "Heat Kills" campaign in Milford

Hi guys!

I have had a busy but exciting few weeks! I have been working with my State Representative Pam Staneski on a program called "Heat Kills." "Heat Kills" is a campaign to educate people about why you shouldn't lock animals in cars. In Connecticut, it is illegal to leave animals in cars in the extreme heat or cold, but some people don’t listen. Some people just forget and could get in big trouble. Below is an infographic from the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) about the dangers of locking pets in cars which gave us a lot of information for our campaign. They also have a flyer you can read HERE.

We are trying to raise awareness about our "Heat Kills" campaign and the dangers of heat to animals by putting signs all over Milford. We are selling signs that businesses can put in parking lots and bumper stickers for people to put on their cars. Milford Mayor Ben Blake is a big supporter as well as the Animal Control Officer Scott Ellingson. City Clerk Joanne Rohrig even included a "Heat Kills" flyer we created in all of the mailings to dog owners who need to renew their dog licenses! The Tesla company in Milford donated $400 to our project to buy signs for the community.

We even held a press conference at my school, John F. Kennedy Elementary School in Milford, last Thursday to announce our new project. You can watch the press conference below and read an article from the Milford Mirror HERE.

Your town or city might already have "Heat Kills" signs, but if not we hope you will consider starting a campaign where you live. You can email me a tCKGJessica@kidgovernor.org for more information about our project. I will also share more resources in the next few weeks.

"Heat Kills" is a very important thing to know about so that animals aren’t being left in cars, especially in the summer. If you see an animal alone in a car tell your parent to tell someone like the police about it.

If you tell someone, see someone taking action, or want to start a campaign in your town, make sure to email me.

Everyone is doing great work! Keep helping those without a voice!

Your Kid Governor,

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,

Help animals in your community by planning a spring collection drive!

Hello Everyone!

Did you know that nearly every town in our state has a local pound or animal shelter? Did you know that many of these places rely on donations from community members like us to help animals in need? As part of my three-point platform, I am asking YOU to join me in holding collection drives in our schools to support our furry friends in local pounds and shelters. Because April is Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Month and May is National Pet Month, spring is the perfect time to hold a drive! 

I have a great tool to help you and your school donate to your local animal shelter. You just have to follow eight easy steps in my Collection Drive Planning Work Sheet which you can download at CT.KidGovernor.org/collection-drives. 

You can also watch my video filmed at the Connecticut Humane Society all about how you can plan a collection drive!

I have been working on a collection drive of my own to help the animals in my community. My school, John F. Kennedy in Milford, held a drive in late April. It was a big success and I will be sharing more in my next blog post.

Make sure to email me at CKGJessica@kidgovernor.org to tell me how you do on your collection drive. Let’s see how many animals we can help. I can’t wait to see how we all do. So start collecting!

Your Kid Governor,

My visit to the Westminster Dog Show!

Hi guys! Last month I went to the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show in New York City to learn more about dogs and even cats! I was even considered a special guest and an Honorary Chair for the event!

Our day started with "Meet the Breeds" which was really fun. There were over 100 dog breeds! We visited booths about each breed and got to meet the dogs themselves. We even got to meet some cat breeds! My favorite breed I met was the Siberian Husky. What is your favorite breed of dog? Email me at CKGJessica@KidGovernor.org to tell me!

Me and a Siberian Husky, my favorite breed of dog!

I learned so much about dogs and cats, especially that there is a lot to being a responsible pet owner. As an Honorary Chair, I was asked to sign the American Kennel Club's "Responsible Dog Owner Pet Promise." By signing, I - and other visiting legislators and government officials, promised:

• I will never overlook my responsibilities for this living being and recognize that my dog's welfare is totally dependent on me.
• I will always provide fresh water and quality food for my dog.
• I will socialize my dog via exposure to new people, places and other dogs.
• I will take pride in my dog's appearance with regular grooming.
• I will recognize the necessity of basic training by teaching my dog to reliably sit, stay and come when called.
• I will take my dog to the vet regularly and keep all vaccinations current.
• I will pick-up and properly dispose of my dog's waste. 
• I will make sure my dog is regarded as an AKC Canine Good Citizen® by being aware of my responsibilities to my neighbors and to the community.
• I will ensure that the proper amount of exercise and mental stimulation appropriate for my dog's age, breed and energy level is provided.
• I will ensure that my dog has some form of identification (which may include collar tags, tattoo or microchip ID.) 
• I will adhere to local leash laws.

Signing the "Responsible Dog Owner Pet Promise."

I am now in the process of researching pet pledges and creating my own Responsible Pet Owner Pledge. Check back in the coming weeks for a post about my Pledge!

After "Meet the Breeds" we watched the agility competitions. That is where the dogs do all sorts of jumps and runs and go through obstacles. It was so cool to see them.

A dog competing in the agility competition.

I want to thank Mrs. Laurie Maulucci from the Connecticut Federation of Dog Clubs and Responsible Pet Owners who coordinated my visit, and the American Kennel Club for making it an amazing experience. Everyone was very friendly, welcoming, and supportive of my platform!

Meeting Dennis B. Sprung, President and CEO of the American Kennel Club.

I'd also like to thank the American Kennell Club for interviewing me for an article on their website. You can read the article HERE.

For more photos of my visit to the Westminster Dog Show, check out the Connecticut's Kid Governor Facebook and Twitter pages.

Talk to you soon!

- Jessica

Inauguration Day 2017!

Hey guys! Last month was Inauguration Day 2017, my official inauguration as the 2017 Connecticut's Kid Governor. I want to tell you all about that amazing day!

So many people came (more than 250!), and I was able to meet some very inspiring people like: Governor Dannel Malloy, United States Senator Richard Blumenthal, Secretary of the State Denise Merrill, State Senator Gayle Slossberg, State Representative Kim Rose, State Representative Charles Ferraro, State Representative Pam Staneski, Commissioner of Education Dianna Wentzell, and so many others.

Me at Inauguration Day 2017 alongside dignitaries, special guests, 2016 CKG Elena Tipton, and the other six finalists from the Statewide Election. 

I also had the opportunity to meet the other six finalists in the 2016 Connecticut's Kid Governor election. They all had great platforms as well!

At first I was a little overwhelmed by all the people, cameras,and news crews, but everyone was so kind, and helped me feel at ease. We heard from our dignitaries during the Inauguration ceremony, and Secretary Merrill gave me the official Oath of Office. The six finalists and I participated in a news conference and answered questions from our classmates about our platforms and experiences as candidates for Kid Governor. 

Taking the Kid Governor Oath of Office!

Later, I got to hold an activity in my office for all the kids that came. I answered questions about how many siblings I have, and how many pets I have (by the way, I have 3 rescued cats, 1 rescued dog, 2 horses, and 1 brother.) They also asked me questions about what I am going to do with my platform. My favorite part of Inauguration Day was meeting all the students from the other classes and answering their questions. My day was incredible! 

Meeting with students from across Connecticut in my office at the Old State House

For more about Inauguration Day and to see more photos from the event, please visit the Connecticut's Kid Governor website and read the recap HERE. 

Make sure you email me all the great things you are doing to help the animals! You can email me at CKGJessica@KidGovernor.org. Maybe you will get a shout out in a future blog post.

- Jessica