“Civics on the Road” Launches at Main Street Middle School in Madison

The Maine Department of Education (DOE) Office of Teaching and Learning, in partnership with the Maine Department of the Secretary of State and the Maine Semiquincentennial Commission, launched its new traveling initiative “Civics on the Road” at Main Street Middle School in Madison in September. This program debuted on Constitution Day, September 17, 2025, immersing local fifth- and sixth-grade students in hands-on civic learning.

The experience began by transporting students back to 1776. They explored the origins of the nation’s founding documents and considered the roles and rights of people who were living at the time. Students then rotated through interactive stations designed to bring democracy to life:

• Gameshow Government—This quiz-style competition challenged students on civic participation, checks and balances, and rights and responsibilities.
  
• We Hold These Truths—Students examined grievances from the Declaration of Independence, viewed a full-scale replica of the document, and practiced 18th-century writing with quill pens. “They wrote the Declaration of Independence using quills! What did they do if they made a mistake?” one student asked in amazement.
  
• Why and Why Not: Debate—Students engaged in structured debates about who should be allowed to participate in government decisions, weighing arguments of fairness, representation, and qualifications.
  
• How Voting Works and the Role of the Free Press—Students became reporters, interviewing town officials and Maine’s Secretary of State on the responsibilities of public office and the integrity of elections.

The day culminated in a mock election. On the central ballot question: Should all people living here have the right to participate in decisions about government? With Madison Town Clerk Cheyenne Stevens and Madison Town Manager Denise Ducharme overseeing the process, students checked in, cast private ballots, and deposited them into a secure ballot box. “I Voted” stickers were displayed proudly, as students observed tabulation procedures and learned about safeguards like double counts.

“This is the best day of my life!” one student exclaimed.

Madison’s fifth- and sixth-grade election tally was 51 – yes and 28 – no. The discussion that followed highlighted the meaning of community and the importance of society continuing to function, even when votes don’t go everyone’s way.

“Civics on the Road” will visit one school per month throughout the 2025-2026 school year, with programming tailored to elementary, middle, and high school learners. Each visit includes interactive stations, a culminating town hall, and optional professional learning for educators to extend civic instruction beyond the day itself.

“This is more than a history lesson; it’s an invitation for students to see themselves as civic actors,” Geoff Wingard, Maine DOE Interdisciplinary Instruction Specialist, said. “Launching in Madison set the tone perfectly. Students embraced the day with energy, curiosity, and a genuine sense of civic responsibility.”

As the country reflects on 250 years since its establishment, the Maine DOE, the Secretary of State’s office, and the Maine Semiquincentennial Commission are inviting schools, community partners, and local leaders to participate in this statewide effort to strengthen civic education.

Schools interested in hosting “Civics on the Road” may fill out this form. For more information or with questions, please contact Maine DOE Interdisciplinary Instruction Specialist Geoffrey Wingard at Geoffrey.Wingard@maine.gov.