Local school named among top 5 finalists in classroom contest

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — A Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools classroom is one of five finalists in a Pearson Classroom Contest: “If We Were President.”

Teachers were asked to explore how their students would lead the country from the Oval Office and how they would want to change the world.

Heather England's third-grade class at Smithfield Elementary was named one of the finalists. Their YouTube video can be seen by clicking here.

"They all have such a great desire to learn and are so creative," England told Channel 9 by email. "I knew this would be a great project for them."

"I told the students we were going to rewrite the song 'So Call Me Maybe,' because every time it comes on during class -- we listen to kids bop during  a lot of our work -- the whole class would sing," England stated. "The students were broken into committees and worked together to make props, write lyrics and even help edit and make the video."

Finalist entries will have a chance to win an iPad, Pearson products and more.

The finalists shared entries supported Social Studies standards through authentic, 21st Century project-based learning that encourages collaboration and problem solving.

"I was surprised how easy it was for them to come up with lyrics and discuss what a good president would do," England stated.

You can see the rest of the videos and vote for your favorite by clicking here.

WSOC