Congressman Visits Bridger Middle School

They may not be old enough to vote, but that did not stop U.S. Representative Emanuel Cleaver II from responding to some of his youngest constituents. Cleaver visited Jeff Weary’s sixth-grade social studies class, prompted by a class letter-writing project. Students began studying the Middle East last fall, learning about the region’s geography and oftentimes tumultuous history. Specifically, Weary’s class wrote to the congressman concerning terrorism. And Cleaver responded.

“It was very gracious of the congressman and his office to reach out to our classroom,” Weary said.

During his classroom visit, Cleaver gave a brief summary of the region’s complicated past and addressed the sensitive issues involved in responding to terrorists threats. He then took questions and had the class formulate their own answers to some of the questions they raised in their letters.

“I think the students walked away with a better understanding of how difficult it can be responding to the situations and issues he faces every day,” Weary said.