We understand that you’re busy managing the business of your municipalities and focused on the health of your loved ones, however, you may also be wondering the impact of Covid-19 on some of the League’s traditional initiatives. The most current, which needed attention, is the annual “If I were Mayor, I Would...” essay contest.
As of March 23, we had received a little over 200 essays; much lower than the normal 2,800+ essays that would have rolled in, during the contest’s last week. League staff considered several options along with the pros and cons, of each, but finally confirmed there was no way to implement this long-standing and cherished activity amidst the outbreak. However, aligned with President Spiegel’s theme we have re-imagined how the League can best serve Maryland’s education community.
The essay contest has always been viewed as a fun instructional assignment and we wanted to maintain the goal of having students learn about the benefits of Maryland municipal government. In the essay contest’s place, we will offer teachers a packaged assignment that consists of reading and comprehension, a mapping activity and a short writing assignment about problem solving,
We believe this option:
- Aligns with the severity of the coronavirus crisis and how it has impacted all aspects of life
- Offers an optional assignment for the many teachers seeking content to keep students engaged in instruction and learning
- May offer a future opportunity to showcase any innovative or good ideas from any assignments received by us within magazine and social media or other outlets
We hope that the education community will take advantage of the alternative educational materials we will post on our website and would like your help in letting your local schools know when it’s available.
This is a timely and responsive answer to the current situation, which changes daily. We hope that offering an alternative may provide some normalcy within a situation that is outside of the norm.
We will have the alternative lesson available, shortly, and will provide a link so that you may pass along to those educators seeking answers revolved around the essay contest. If you have any questions, please contact Membership Engagement Director, Paula Chase Hyman at paulah@mdmunicipal.org