By signing the U.S. Constitution and making up their own raps, Fort Herriman Middle School students are learning their constitutional rights and duties. In an effort to raise awareness among the student body and the school, the PTSA recently took a week to reflect on the meaning of the constitution.
As part of a celebration of President's Day, the PTSA organized a weeklong focus on the Constitution and each student's obligation to understand it. The idea came from The National Center for Constitutional Studies and the book "The 5,000 Year Leap."
During the week of Feb. 21 through 25, each student received a copy of their own pocket Constitution. They also participated in enriching activities throughout the school day. The week was deemed Patriots Week.
"Our focus was not only in recognizing this great country we live in, but to reflect back to see how it all began. We feel that sometimes in order to know where we are going, we need to know from where we came," Tina Falk, of the PTSA, said.
Starting the week off, the PTSA put together a slide presentation on the Constitution. Students were also encouraged to wear red, white and blue during the week.
On Thursday, the students were able to participate in a school wide assembly. During the assembly, about 100 students performed several raps that they wrote about the Constitution. The teachers participated by playing a game of constitution jeopardy.
On Friday, each student had the opportunity to sign the Constitution. During the lunch hour, the Constitution was posted on large sheets of parchment paper, and the students were given the chance to sign for themselves.
"The idea was to help the children understand that even though they are young, they can still make a difference. It was to help them speak up so that other people don't make decisions for them," Catherine Edwards, a PTSA member, said.
Edwards also said that the week's activities were very well received and appreciated by the students. It sparked debate and conversation, not only at school also at home where many students were talking about things they learned.
Even the parents got involved with the project. Some volunteered to present during the week, while others participated in conversations with the students.
By Alisha Tondro for The South Valley
Published in March 2011 in Riverton , Utah
http://www.southvalleyjournal.com/pages/full_story/?id=5705&type=Articles&numitems=1&startitem=0&showimages=1
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