MADISON, Wis. -- Some Madison high school students said that they plan to learn about politics by participating firsthand.

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With a school referendum vote just days away now, the students are taking civic engagement outside the classroom. They would be the direct beneficiaries of the $13 million referendum, which is why the students said that they think it's time to put their faces on the issue of education spending.

Student leaders are currently planning a rally set for this Saturday morning at the Capitol Square in downtown Madison. Organizers said that they hope they can get other students to hand out fliers and talk to residents at the Farmers' Market about the issues students are most concerned with.

"This is programs, this is sports, this is drama, this is art," said Madison West High School junior Sarah Maslin, "And I think in order to have the best school district possible, we really need this money so we don't have to cut millions of dollars worth of programs."

"It's hard being not of voting age yet," said West senior Lincoln Gulley, "But I think I can influence a lot of people by taking a more objective view of the issues."

Madison Metropolitan School District Superintendent Daniel Nerad voiced his approval of the students' involvement.

"Anytime students are engaged in civic activity, it reinforces lessons in the classroom," he said. "One of the best ways for students to understand civic engagement is taking it into our community."

Stay tuned to WISC-TV and Channel 3000 for continuing coverage.