FITCHBURG — Little ones from Busy Bees Preschool Center did a big thing on Tuesday morning by taking to the streets to encourage people to perform their democratic civil duty — voting.
A line of excited youngsters ranging in age from three to five stood outside Memorial Middle School holding signs they made and exercising their first amendment rights.
“Don’t forget to vote!” one young boy enthusiastically shouted at the Nov. 3 gathering.
Three of their teachers — Miss Megan, Miss Nahiomy, and Miss Tiana — kept a close eye on the group. The women said they brought the kids to the school on Rollstone Street, one of several polling places in the city, “to remind Fitchburg residents to go out and vote and the importance of everyone’s voice.”
“Busy Bees has always focused on bridging connections from the school and community and the importance of using your voice and participating in community activities and civic duties,” they shared about the preschool center whose motto is ‘Where Little Bees Become Big Thinkers.
Although the center’s students have many years to go before they can officially vote themselves, the teachers reported that “for decades, the class vote has accurately predicted governor and presidential candidates,” with Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey winning the children’s vote on Tuesday in that midterm election race.
Busy Bees parent and Fitchburg resident Kendal Passos was happy her two daughters had the opportunity to take part in it.
“For me, it was special because at the end before we walked back, the kids all said ‘I made a big difference’ in unison, and they felt that way too,” the mom of three said. “You could see the pride in themselves, and that they were also proud of all the people that turned into the polls after hearing them chant ‘Don’t forget to vote’ and ‘Vote for our future.’
“It was a great introduction to civic duties and is something that will always stick with them, hopefully well into the future when it’s their turn to vote for their leaders and ‘rules,’ as the teacher explained.”
Passos went on to say all of the community members who beeped and waved at the kids “made it all the more special, and not just for the kiddos.”
“With all the grownup craziness surrounding the midterms, I feel the kids served as a reminder to the community of why it’s important to get out and vote today and helped lighten their spirits,” she shared. “Kiddos hardly ever get to use their voices to make big changes and today they got to. It was powerful and moving.”
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