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An understanding of civics can go a long way. 

With this in mind, Baker Intermediate School and Winchester city officials and employees recently found a way to collaborate. 

Fifth-grade students participated in what they call City Government Academy in two ways, allowing them to experience firsthand how the city operates. 

“We love you guys, and we’re so glad you’re with us today,” said Winchester Mayor JoEllen Reed, a former elementary school teacher. 

During the course of the two days, various groups alternated through different stations. 

In doing so, they visited the Winchester Police Department and its dispatch center, Winchester Fire Department, Winchester City Hall, and even Winchester-Clark County Parks and Recreation at the site of Heritage Park on W. Washington Street. 

While there, students could participate in recreational activities such as ladder ball, Connect Four, or darts using a large Velcro dartboard and learn more about the department’s operations. 

Specifically, they gained an understanding of the Parks Mobile Rec Unit. 

“We have ten parks in our parks system, and this is kind of what we do….this is the kind of thing that they would see if they [came] out to visit us at a pop-up event,” said Barb Amyx, Membership Director and Assistant Program Manager at WCCPR. 

At City Hall, in addition to Mayor Reed, several other officials, such as City Commissioners Kitty Strode and Kenny Book, City Manager Bruce Manley, and City Clerk Joy Curtis, were present for a day of informing students. 

Mayor Reed explained how electing City Commissioners and a Mayor works, noting that the former must be 18 and the latter 21 to run for the position. 

Several students sat in the chairs where city commissioners would typically sit, as a mock city commission meeting featuring student commissioners was held. 

One of the highlights even featured Strode speaking to student commissioners about concerns.

City Clerk Joy Curtis explained certain terms to the students, such as ad valorem taxes, and defined a legal handbook and details regarding what is acceptable and not during closed sessions. 

Certainly, not least, the 2023 Strategic Work Plan of the Winchester City Commission was highlighted.  

“We have a lot of things going on…about 17 projects right now,” said Mayor Reed. “Several of the things we wanted to do was talk about quality of life…[and] we want us to live in a safe city.” 

Many students expressed appreciation, with one even saying she hopes for a career in government service. 

Mayor Reed and others expressed hope that students, as the future generation, would feel free to take on different roles. 

“We want you to have these opportunities to visit downtown,” she said. “There are opportunities to serve and do things within our community.”