Laguna schools celebrated the 224th anniversary of the signing of the U.S. Constitution on Sept. 17, with varied instruction that illustrated the everyday significance of this living document.
The U.S. Constitution was signed by the delegates to the Constitutional Convention in 1787.
Top of the World Elementary School second grade teacher Linda Barker decorated her classroom with a red, white and blue array of U.S. Constitution books, banners and posters. Enthusiastically sharing her joy in helping young students appreciate this remarkable document, she said. “Children are never too young to learn about our government, the Constitution, and how laws are made and carried out by the three branches of government.”
Studying U.S. History is a part of the fifth grade curriculum. The favorite part of teaching the U.S. Constitution for fifth grade TOW Elementary School teacher Brian Kull is helping students understand the significance of the document in students’ lives. “I really enjoy seeing the students realize exactly why the Constitution is so important, as well as the amount of work and debate that went in to creating it. Students learned how the experiences of the Colonists helped guide their vision of writing the Constitution. It is amazing how a document written well over 200 years ago still impacts our daily lives right now.”
Carolen Sadler, LBHS social studies department chair, said “As a department, we realize the importance of the U.S. Constitution and Constitution Day and try to emphasize different aspects of the document as they relate to our various course levels and state standards. In World History, for example, we use the Constitution as evidence of the influence of enlightenment ideals like natural rights and separation of power. In U.S. History we emphasize the rights of the individual and states as evident in the Bill of Rights. The longevity and relevance of the Constitution is integrated into coursework throughout the entire year.”
Supt. Sherine Smith, who majored in early American history as an undergraduate, said, “I am excited that our students have the opportunity to understand the significance of the Constitution. It is the foundation of our government and democratic system.”
