The Stats:

Presented at:
Lansing Christian School
Lansing, MI

On-Site Coordinators:
Mrs. Audrey Castelbuono, Principal

Students attending: 47
representing grade 9

VIPs:

Ed Rivet - Legislative Director for RTL

Don Heikkinen - Attorney

Tony Baltimore - Constituent/Outreach relations for Rep. Mike Rogers

Chris Hundt - Works for Michigan Department of Transportation

Rosemary Sandefer - Former Legislative Director for RTL

Patrick Quinn - Bible teacher, LCS

Paul Stankewitz - Associate for Public Policy with MI Catholic Conference

Meghan Lizotte - Legislative Assistant for Rep. Acciavatti

Blaine Schultz - Vice President of Advance Employment

Suanne Thompson - Legislative Lobbyist for RTL

Quinn Harr - SSI alum and part-time staff/intern

Steve Nesbitt - Spanish and French teacher, LCS

Craig Dumont - Pastor of Okemos Christian Center

Andrew Kleyn - High school English Lit teacher, LCS

Joel VandeKopple - Art and PE teacher, LCS

OnSite Report

Lansing Christian School Onsite Report, October 31-November 2

We just completed our 5th On-Site Program at Lansing Christian School with great success. This is a unique event because all of the nearly 50 students were freshmen, which means that the already steep learning curve is even more challenging! But, as is always the case, the Mock Legislative simulation really drew the students into a world they never knew existed!

In two days, they went from being students to leaders, grappling with some of the key issues being debated in our state. It is amazing to see them rise to the occasion! After the committee hearings on the morning of the second day, the adults who participated as lobbyists and chairs said how impressed they were with the level of thought and inquiry displayed by the students-and after only one day!

One of the parents, during the final debate by the "Representatives" on the "House Floor," told me she was amazed by the interest and level of critical thinking by her daughter, especially given her initial negative impression of the program. Wow! That's the stuff that keeps us coming back for more.

I hope you know by now that SSI is not just a summer program. We are on the go throughout the year. In fact, we have one more On-Site scheduled for 2006, and already there are four more planned for the first half of 2007. Just yesterday, we received two calls expressing interest in bringing SSI to their schools. It is exciting to know that the value of SSI is being recognized by an increasing number of teachers, administrators and parents.

- James Muffett, SSI Founder & President

Photo Gallery

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