Students Vote for Sunshine State Books

Alexis VerEecke (aka Mrs. V.), the ES/LS Library Media & Information Technology Specialist, spends time each year with Shorecrest students introducing books that are nominated for the Sunshine State Young Readers Award. For the second year, as a cross-curricular project combining language arts and civics, she arranged for the Pinellas County Supervisor of Elections outreach team to come to campus and hold a mock vote for favorite Sunshine State Young Readers Award book (SSYRA Jr & SSYRA). 

Guided by Voter Outreach Manager Sasha Perez-Book, grades K-4 and members of the fifth grade Battle of the Books team visited the Ohana Community Room and reviewed the voting process. When students were asked what voting is, what a candidate is, what a ballot is, and other topical questions, it was clear from their answers that they had already learned about the process thoroughly in their classrooms. 

Using an age-appropriate story about the animal kingdom voting for a new leader with less strict bedtimes, Ms. Perez-Book explained how a fair and secure election takes place. One kindergartener commented, "The lion wanted to be the boss of everyone. But some people can actually change the world and make it a better place."

Students were told they could only vote for one of their favorite books. They completed a private ballot that was scanned by an optical scanner. Then they received an “I Voted” sticker.

Some Lower School classes also created posters depicting their favorite books to try to persuade other voters.

The students learned about reading, voting, having a choice and sharing their voice. Thank you also to parent volunteers Tani Masvidal, Kelly Moore, Christina Yim for helping the day run smoothly!

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