DURHAM, N.C. — The first day of year-round classes for elementary students began in Durham Public Schools Monday.

The beginning of the school year comes as a new page of political history is actively being written. 

When sitting President Joe Biden stepped down from a reelection campaign to give Vice President Kamala Harris a shot at being the leader of the free world, it became a topic of conversation in DPS.

With each news cycle, more and more information appears to flow out of the world of politics. The change in the Democratic ticket was hardly a week after former President Donald Trump survived an assassination attempt.

In the wake of big news, academic advisers often send discussion guidelines to teachers about current world events with students. 

Veronica Black said it is vital to their future.

“We have to keep them prepared. We only have four years to get them in and out and prepared for society,” Black said.“We have to keep them prepared. We only have four years to get them in and out and prepared for society,” Black said.

Black has worked at The School for Creative Studies in Durham for almost 10 years.

She said the goal is to facilitate the students' learning so they are thinking about their thoughts.

Part of accomplishing that includes an open-style, in-class exchange of ideas.

“To help them see these different perspectives from their peers as they have these conversations,” Black said.

A fellow teacher at The School for Creative Studies, Dominique Smith seconded that statement.

“(You) have your argument but be able to hear the opposing side and still be able to form your opinion and stand on your opinion,” Smith said.

They said this approach gives them the best instruction possible in the least restrictive environment for their mix of exceptional education and regular students.

Black said it’s not about teaching them what to think but how to apply critical-thinking skills. 

“They pay attention, they see these things and they have comments,” Black said.

Their co-teaching model aims to engage students.

“I come into the classroom not to include them, because they're already there, but to co-teach with the teacher that's there, so that when you walk into the classroom, the students will have the benefit of having both of our expertise,” Black said.

Smith said the setup has been successful for them both.

“We piggyback off of our strengths,” Smith said.

Smith and Black have taught in the school system for over 20 years apiece.

The lifelong educators ask pointed questions about the people in competition for the White House.

“Because we don't want to seem that we're trying to influence their thoughts,” Black said. “We let them speak their mind.”“Because we don't want to seem that we're trying to influence their thoughts,” Black said. “We let them speak their mind.”

It creates an environment for engagement, open conversation and food for thought.

“They see what's out here in the media, and it helps them to form their ideas, thoughts and opinions,” Black said.

It challenges them on what they say, hear and read by encouraging outside-the-box thinking.

“The kids are paying attention, and they're watching, and these are our next set of voters,” Black said.

They are voters who could be casting a ballot come fall.

If you are looking for ways to talk to your child about this topic, Parent Cue, a group offering takes from family experts and everyday parents, suggests five talking points:

• Start with questions
• Don’t hand them rumors or sound bites
• Talk about values
• Be upfront about the sensitivity of the topic
• Keep the dialogue open