On Tuesday (Oct. 1), students in grades 7-12 in the Ellington Public Schools (EPS) are taking part in a unique homework assignment — watching the Vice-Presidential debate between J.D. Vance and Tim Walz.
Though not mandatory, the assignment is part of the district’s “Seeds of Civility” initiative, which aims to “recognize the value of civil discussion,” pushing back against the trend of personality politics.
However, students can anticipate their social studies teachers breaking down the debate in class, analyzing how the candidates engaged with one another on policy positions, their records as civil servants and/or personality attacks.
Additionally, students will evaluate how the candidates speak about the Presidential contenders and point out which “Seeds of Civility’s” seven principles they adhere to or violate. The principles include: Listen, Observe and Reflect; Assume Good Intentions; Allow for Emotional Reactions; Speak One’s Truth; Face to Face; Find Similarities, Value Differences; and Debate the Issue, Respect the Person.
Launched in 2019 and endorsed by the Ellington Board of Selectmen, “Seeds of Civility” was developed by a coalition of local officials, teachers, parents, and community members to foster respectful debate on difficult topics.
By endorsing the “Seeds of Civility” document, the Board of Selectmen demonstrated the town’s commitment to promoting respectful dialogue and civil discourse.
The initiative is designed to promote a genuine exchange of ideas through a series of core principles. The approach encourages individuals to emphasize the importance of being thoughtful and seeking understanding before taking action. By assuming good intentions, participants are urged to engage with others on the premise that their positions aim for the greater good.
Recognizing that conflict can often stir emotional responses, the initiative calls for understanding in the face of such reactions. Speaking one’s truth is central to the program, but always with respect, even when met with hostility. Direct, face-to-face engagement is prioritized over social media interactions — which tends to worsen conflicts. The program also highlights the need to find similarities while respecting differences, urging participants to debate issues without resorting to personal attacks.
EPS aims to have students and staff apply these principles in the lead-up to the 2024 presidential election, fostering an environment where a fair exchange of ideas can thrive, with the focus on policy rather than personalities.
Superintendent Dr. Scott Nichol told Yankee Institute of his determination to equip students with the tools needed for respectful and informed conversations on controversial issues, especially in an age when political debates often devolve into personal attacks.
“We should be educating our kids on having civil discourse,” Dr. Nicol said, outlining the district’s focus on teaching students to engage in productive, meaningful debates. “We’re not going to hide from a challenging topic. We deal with controversial issues, and we don’t have an agenda.”
The goal, according to Dr. Nicol, is to build trust with parents and the community while helping students become critical thinkers. Whether students lean toward Kamala Harris or Donald Trump, the district isn’t interested. The aim is to ensure students are informed and capable of forming their own opinions.
EPS introduced the “Seeds of Civility” program to high school students on Sept. 10, with social studies teachers leading the first of three lessons aimed at navigating difficult conversations and distinguishing between arguing and debating.
Following a positive reception, the district extended the program to middle school students, with plans underway to introduce a similar initiative at the elementary level later this month.
In an increasingly polarized political landscape, Ellington’s initiative offers a necessary reminder that civil discourse is not only possible but essential. By embracing respect, understanding, and thoughtful engagement, the district hopes to cultivate a generation of students who are not only informed but capable of rising above the noise to have meaningful conversations about the future of the country.
