Proud To Be An American Month

Introduction

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. Celebrate Freedom Week, a state curriculum mandate, is to be celebrated during the last full week in September. Besides this required week, there are other days/weeks that schools may chose to observe. We have combined elements from Celebrate Freedom Week with Patriot Day, Citizenship Day, Constitution Week and the  September Character Trait of "Respect" into a full month, Proud To Be An American Month.

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Celebrate Freedom Week  September 22-26, 2003

Legislation was passed last year requiring Celebrate Freedom Week to be recognized in public schools during the last full week in September. The purpose of this week as stated in the bill 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."

Additionally, Celebrate Freedom Week must include at least 3 hours of appropriate instruction (American History social studies classes in grade 5^th, 8^th, and 11^th) to include an in-depth study of the intent, meaning, and importance of the Declaration of Independence. Parents may request an exemption from participating in this recitation by submitting their request in writing.

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In addition to the required Celebrate Freedom Week, teachers and schools may wish to participate in activities related to the following commemorative days or weeks:

Patriot Day  September 11

The President is requested to issue each year a Proclamation calling state and local governments and the people of the United States to observe Patriot Day with appropriate programs and activities. School activities should promote reflection on the events of that infamous day and an appreciation for the efforts of the many who have helped our nation rebuild its spirit and landmarks. Flags are to be flown at half-mast and the people of the United States are called upon to observe a moment of silence. School-wide observances of Patriot Day might include:

1. Red, White, and Blue day- everyone wear the colors!

2. An assembly that honors America with vocal and instrumental music,  and the Posting the Colors by a color guard

3. Essays or art work on the American ideals of respect, fairness, caring, good citizenship, and patriotism

4. Moment of silence for the WTC, Pentagon, and Pennsylvania victims

5. Recognition of student essays / art work/ musical compositions on heroes or patriotism

6. Recognition of local heroes (researched, identified, and invited by students)

Constitution Week, September 17-23 and Citizenship Day, September 17

September 17^th -23^rd is Constitution Week with September 17^th designated as Citizenship Day commemorating the signing of the Constitution on September 17, 1787. This week would be a great opportunity to highlight the intent, meaning, and importance of the U.S. Constitution, and the rights and responsibilities of citizenship.

Many classroom ideas and down-loadable lesson plans can be found on the official web site- http://www.constitutioncenter.org
 

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.