The fourth grade is in good hands: Its governor made a major sacrifice to pitch legislation.

        “I was at the principal's office, talking to her about it, all through recess,” recalled Becky Lyons, 9, with an air of wistful resignation.

        This week, Becky and her fellow lawmakers made history at Stephens Elementary School near Burlington, in Boone County. They not only passed two bills, but also got the grown-ups to approve their proposal for a school science lab.

        These guys may have a future in politics. At the very least, they now know that government is complicated — a product of negotiation, persuasion and the occasional long meeting.

        “When I grow up, I think it's going to be hard,” said Kelsey Couch, 9.        

In-class bathrooms!

        Led by teachers Kate Tallarigo and Candace Heinze, the fourth-graders began their adventure with a field trip to Frankfort.

        Then they elected a governor, brainstormed proposals to help the school and narrowed down their ideas in the House and Senate.

        Becky, who became known as “Mrs. Government Person” to some classmates, solemnly walked the room as the groups debated.

        The students considered longer school days, more cafeteria choices and in-class bathrooms. (“If you have to throw up, you don't have to walk very far,” said 10-year-old Shawn Brown.)

        Ultimately, they passed two bills: one calling for a science lab at Stephens and the other for “spirit days,” in which students would beautify school grounds.

        Gov. Becky, after practicing in front of her bathroom mirror, presented the documents at the school's site-based council meeting on Monday. She was accompanied by fourth-graders Kelsey, Shawn, Alex Crickmer, Devon Spada, Ashley Findsen and Trey Whitehead.
       

Flair for filibuster

        Previous fourth grades have organized their own government, but students have never before approached the site-based council, Ms. Tallarigo said Monday.

        They were nervous. But when principal Linda Klembara asked a question — How many spirit days do you want? — Shawn demonstrated a flair for the filibuster.

        “Any more than one,” he said. “Just like, two or three. Any number besides one. More than one!”

        The council postponed a decision on the spirit days but approved the request for a science lab, with Ms. Klembara signing her name to the bottom of the bill.

        She'll try to get $1,000 from the school's business partner, she said. A PTA representative promised to seek grants and donations.        

A new respect

        The next day, the students reflected on their experience. They knew this wasn't like real government — “We're kids,” Becky said — but they still learned a lot.

        They have a new appreciation for the people in charge of the United States. President Bush is busy collecting dollars for starving Afghans, they said, and considering laws to protect Americans.

        “People might be sending him bills for safety in planes and stuff, and trying to make those laws,” Kelsey said.

        “If there's a hijacked plane, we're going to shoot it down,” Alex added.

        Everyone was solemn for a moment, thinking about the magnitude of that decision.

        “I feel sorry for government,” Shawn said.

        Karen Samples is the Enquirer's Kentucky columnist. She can be reached at (859) 578-5584 or at ksamples@enquirer.com.

2 guilty in morgue photo case
Amid anthrax scares, local agencies prepare for real thing
Anthrax pranksters face prosecution, Allen says
Fears similar to '62 missile crisis
Feds to audit airport-security firms
Accused boy says he kneed sister
Cranley pushing vote on housing
Fuller, Luken trade barbs over riots and aftermath
Generations spar in ads for city candidates
Money will await some graduates
Neighborhood build-up plans take two views
Political Notebook
Teen pleads guilty in tot's shooting
Tristate A.M. Report
HOWARD: Some Good News
SAMPLES: Clean politics
Clermont County clinic among 90 to get threats
Fight intensifies over hospital move
Hospital plans argued by two jurisdictions
Loveland hires assistant city manager
Mason teacher talks resume
Pupils honor deceased principal
Chao: Existing programs suitable for those in need
Pioneering lawmaker honored
Taft urges increase in taxes
ABA jolts bench hopes
Adult 'zone' discussed
Death-penalty foes get forum
Highlands graduate tested
Madison Theater to unveil face lift
New chief begins with outreach
No vaccine, so flu shots off at present
PETA wants to keep Morrow trainer from regaining license