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Teacher resources (PDF Format):
Recitation from the Declaraction of Independence
Elementary Activities for Proud to be an American Month 2010
September will be filled with opportunities to reflect, remember, and recount reasons why we are proud to be Americans. Several special weeks and days in the month of September are dedicated to understanding the highest qualities of American Character as well as our rights, responsibilities, and freedoms as citizens in our nation.
Constitution/ Citizenship Day is required by the U.S. Congress (Pub. L. 108-447) to be held on September 17 or the closest school day to commemorate the signing of the Constitution on September 17, 1787. This year, Constitution Day will be Friday, September 17, 2010. During this day, schools have a great opportunity to highlight the intent, meaning, and importance of the U.S. Constitution, and the rights and responsibilities of citizenship.
Celebrate Freedom Week is to be recognized in public schools during the last full week in September (September 20-24, 2010). The purpose of this week as stated in the Florida House Bill 885 is to "educate students about the sacrifices made for freedom in the founding of this country and the values on which this country was founded." To emphasize the importance of this week, at the beginning of each school day or in homeroom, public school principals and teachers shall conduct on oral recitation by students of the specified section of the Declaration of Independence.
"We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men
are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator
with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are
Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness. That to secure
these rights, Governments are instituted among Men
deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed."
Parents may request an exemption from participating in this recitation by submitting their request in writing.
Additionally, during Celebrate Freedom Week, schools must include at least 3 hours of appropriate instruction (American History social studies classes in grade 5th, 8th, and 11th) to include an in-depth study of the intent, meaning, and importance of the Declaration of Independence.
Debbie
Gallagher, Elementary Social Studies Teacher Specialist at 955-7622
or
gallagdd@sbac.edu.
Charley Wise,
Secondary Social Studies Teacher Specialist at 955-7622 or
wisecj@sbac.edu.
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