The New York Times is often referred to as a newspaper of record: a publication not only with a very large circulation but also one whose news gathering and reporting is viewed to be an authoritative report of what’s taking place across the country and around the world.
On Sunday, 20 students in Kippen Larson-Gulsvig’s 4th grade class at Willard Elementary School became a part of the New York Times’ record.
It began in late March when an editor for The New York Times for Kids reached out looking for a 4th grade class that would be willing to share their opinions on any topic they felt strongly about. NYT for Kids is a once-a-month section in the paper’s Sunday edition meant for children 8-14 years old. The paper has featured other 4th grade classes across the country over the past school year – from Chicago to Queen to Miami – and wanted to include Des Moines in the lineup.
With dozens of 4th grade classrooms throughout Des Moines the call went out to schools and Willard was quick to respond, suggesting that Ms. Larson-Gulsvig’s students would not only be great representatives of their school and the district, but also have opinions to share on a variety of issues.
The 20 students had a couple of virtual sessions with staff from the New York Times to talk about the project. As editor Katherine Cusumano noted: “My colleague Molly Bennet and I talked to the students over video chat about the difference between a reported article and an opinion. Then we asked them to write their own opinions. They wrote about all kinds of subjects, including college, the minimum wage and why kids should be able to run for president.”
For example, Karli Peek shared her concerns about one of the most debated topics of the day:
“The government must do more to stop racism. It is a problem that has been going on for a long time, but it hasn’t been solved yet. Nobody should feel bad about their skin color.”
Yahelis Diaz and Hana Eyob both had thoughts on the importance of a college education. Yahelis felt people should be required to go to college in order to get a good job:
“I’m looking forward to college, because you get to learn about what you want to do for work, and I want to be a lawyer.”
Hana was also concerned about the issue of college costs and debt:
“I think it’s the government’s job to pay for college for everyone. Kids should not have to pay – they can’t afford it! I’m excited to go to college, but I’m worried about how expensive it will be.”
The COVID-19 pandemic was also on the minds of students. Adalea Evans felt that “It should be easier and safer for kids to get tested for COVID-19, so they will be less likely to spread the virus.” Her classmate Hammad Gabir wrote:
“All people should still be required to wear masks during the pandemic. Not wearing a mask in public can lead to the spread of germs and make people uncomfortable, but wearing one can help the people around you.”
Not all of the topics were so serious. One student thought Happy Meals at McDonald’s should be free, while others felt recess should be longer or classes start later.
Macie Jones and Di’Onnie McMillian were on opposite sides of whether cats or dogs made better pets. Di’Onnie was pro-cat (“cats sleep all day and don’t pester you”) while Macie was for the dogs (“dogs are playful, smart and fun”).
Thank you to principal Julie Kruse and teacher Kippen Larson-Gulsvig for making this opportunity available to their students. And most of all thank you to the Willard 4th graders who participated, showing the nation the thoughtful students who call Des Moines home.