Third Graders Learn About Judicial Branch from County Circuit Judge

Third-grade students at MICDS are studying the Missouri state government and its legislative, executive, and judicial branches. To help the Beasley students better understand the judicial branch, this week, they had a special visit from a St. Louis County circuit judge.

On Tuesday, Judge Nancy Watkins-McLaughlin visited the two third-grade classes of Homeroom Teachers Miriam Rotskoff and Meg Mottl. Judge Watkins-McLaughlin, who has two grandchildren in MICDS’ Lower School, spoke about her job, the Supreme Court, and the other federal courts. Then, she answered many questions from students about how she became a judge, what her day looks like, and why judges are needed. Students learned that judges help people solve problems.

After her visit, students wrote thank you notes. Here are a few excerpts from their hand-written expressions of gratitude:

“Thank you for coming to my classroom! You helped me understand more about the judicial branch (at first I didn’t know what the judicial branch was!).” —Ria ’32

“Thank you for coming to MICDS, you are so nice and you are the best judge ever!!!” —Aria ’32

“Thank you for coming to Beasley. We all enjoyed listening to you talk about your job. And your grandkids here are probably very lucky to have you as a grandma. Love, JoJo” —JoJo ’32

“Thank you so much for taking time out of your day to each us. I learned so much about the jury and all the courts. My favorite thing you said was that you tried four times to become a judge.” —Anonymous

“Thank you for coming to our classroom to teach us! I’m glad I learned what it’s like to be a lawyer! [You’re the] best lawyer ever!!” —Cooper ’32

“Thank you for visiting our school and specifically coming to our grade. You taught us a lot about judges. This is our favorite thing you taught us—anybody can be on a jury, there are a lot of people in a courtroom, and it takes a lot of hard work to be a judge.” —Allen ’32, Mannan ’32, and Jackson ’32

Thank you for opening up our third graders to your world as a judge, Judge Watkins-McLaughlin! Court is adjourned!