student government day

Every Spring, seniors from all of Mesquite ISD's high schools participate in Student Government Day. Partnering with the City of Mesquite, our students get the opportunity to participate in a mock court trial and city council meeting and tour the police department and fire station. 
“The biggest benefit is the students get to see real-life government and get some hands-on experience. It really takes the government out of the textbooks and puts a real-life spin on it.” - Jeff Casper, Deputy Mayor Pro Tem and West Mesquite High School Government Teacher 
​Students are given background information about the court case and a mock city council meeting agenda so they can be prepared to participate. Students are given specific roles for the day, such as judge, city prosecutor, mayor, city manager, council member, etc. Actual city employees are present and participate during these meetings to serve as facilitators. They serve as invaluable primary sources for our students to learn from. 

municipal court overview

council meeting overview

Horn High School Mock City council meeting debrief

*This 360° video is best viewed with the YouTube app or in a Chrome browser.

essential questions

1. Discuss the importance of good citizenship, including truthfulness, justice, equality, respect for oneself and others, responsibility in daily life, and participation in government by educating oneself about the issues, respectfully holding public officials to their word, and voting. (1.13A)

2. Which public officials in the Mesquite community are featured on this page? (1.12B)

curiosity questions

1.What are the differences between local, state and national laws? Give examples of each. 

2. What does it take to grow up and work or be elected to a municipal government like Mesquite?

3. How can you stay informed of what public officials are doing? (2.12D)