Maya McFadden Photo
Elicker Wednesday at Mauro-Sheridan.
“What changes do you want to make to New Haven Public Schools?” asked seventh-grader Alex Oquendo,12.
Oquendo posed that question Wednesday morning to a visitor to class at Mauro-Sheridan Interdistrict Magnet School: Mayor Justin Elicker.
Earlier in the school year, Lennell Williams, a seventh-grade history teacher, assigned his students to do a project and presentation on the New Haven mayoral election and research on local government and voting. Elicker’s visit Wednesday grew out of that project, and was part of Mauro-Sheridan’s “Community Day.”
To answer Alex’s question, Elicker said he wants to make improvements to the city’s school’s standardized testing focus. “I think tests are important, but they’re not the only important thing,” he said.
Mr. Williams’ seventh-grade class.
All 25 of the student’s eyes lit up at Elicker’s mention of less testing.
To answer his own question, Alex said he would also want curriculum material to be more relevant. Referring to his algebra class, Alex said he is often asking himself, “When am I going to use this?”
In response to Alex’s concerns, Elicker reminded the class of the importance of learning to problem-solve.
When Elicker asked the students what changes they want to see, they all agreed on better school food.
They said they want not just better-tasting food, but also more healthy food.
“How are we going to feed our minds?” asked Jayden Quaynor, 13.
Liam Abbew, 12 said he wants to see more group work in classes.
Wednesday’s conversation ranged from the students guessing Elicker’s age, the coronavirus, if Elicker will run for reelection (Elicker’s answer: yes), to how the mayor intends to improve city residents’ access to medication in low-income areas.
Before a student correctly guessed Elicker’s age at 44 years old, students guessed a number of ages between 35 and 70.
“Do you guys know how New Haven politics works?” Elicker asked the class.
When answered with almost all “no” head shakes, Eicker joked and responded: “Me either.”
“I wanted to get involved in politics because I wanted to help people in New Haven,” Elicker said.
One student asked: “If you received a $1 million grant for the city how would you use it?”
“I would use it for more after school programs for youth and those who are struggling the most,” Elicker answered.
Without having to think for long, Elicker said he intends to work on improving youth programs and city services for the homeless.
Sandy Kaliszewski, Justin Elicker, Lennell Williams, and Sean Hardy.
A special education aide, Sean Hardy, coordinated Elicker’s visit. Hardy has been arranging to welcome guest speakers to the school for more than 20 years.
When bringing a speaker to the school, Hardy aims to have someone that will motivate and encourage the students while also being a positive role model. “We want them to see that you can do it too,” he said.
Principal Sandy Kaliszewski joined the group for the conversation.
In response to a student’s question on how the mayor plans to improve medication access for low-income families, Elicker said he is an advocate of school-based health centers and clinics.
Maya Akilotan, 14, asked the final question: “Who is your hero?”
Unable to give just one answer, Elicker said he looks up to those who don’t shy away from adversity. His examples included two city natives, Judges Constance Baker Motley and Lubbie Harper, Jr.
Alex Oquendo gives Elicker a letter.
To conclude the morning gathering, the students gave Elicker some homework. Each gave him a hand-written letter in hopes that he will read them and respond to the class in the near future.
