Rep. Peter Abbarno welcomes Orin Smith Elementary students to the state Capitol

Students from Orin Smith Elementary School in Chehalis had a memorable visit to the Washington State Capitol, where they explored the legislative process and met with Rep. Peter Abbarno to discuss the role of government and civic responsibility. This educational excursion was designed to bring classroom lessons to life and inspire students to engage with their government.

During their visit, students toured the historic Capitol building, learned about Washington’s government structure, and participated in discussions on how laws are created. The experience aligns with the school’s mission to foster a collaborative and joyful learning environment that encourages students to grow academically and socially.

Abbarno praised the students for their eagerness to learn.

“The students of Orin Smith Elementary embody the values of curiosity, community, and collaboration,” said Abbarno, R-Centralia. “This visit not only provided them with an up-close look at the legislative process but also reinforced the importance of being active and informed members of their community.”

Orin Smith Elementary is known for its commitment to developing well-rounded students. The school incorporates social skills and collaboration through the CharacterStrong curriculum. It provides unique opportunities, such as fifth-grade music programs, where students can participate in band, choir, and orchestra. The Capitol visit further demonstrated the school’s dedication to creating real-world learning experiences that connect students to the broader community.

“I want to thank the Chehalis School District and all the teachers, staff, and parents for helping provide opportunities like this visit that help prepare students to become future leaders,” added Abbarno. “Instilling these values early is vital, and Orin Smith Elementary is doing a fantastic job of nurturing the next generation.”

Fun Fact: The Arc of Statehood lining the pedestrian pathway that curves around Capitol Lake includes 39 bronze makers for each county in the State of Washington. Each bronze maker shows a map of the county’s location in the Evergreen State and a short paragraph about the county seat, name origin, date founded, and important historical information.

For more information on how schools can schedule Capitol tours, call 360-902-8880 or email tours@des.wa.gov.  Additional resources are available on the DES website: des.wa.gov.

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Washington State House Republican Communications
houserepublicans.wa.gov