Every year, fifth-grade students around the county study the American constitutional government as part of their curriculum. This unit typically culminates in the Simulated Congressional Hearings, in which the students demonstrate their new-found knowledge by “testifying” before a panel of supportive “judges.” The judges are community leaders who may have experience at some level of government, and they provide valuable feedback to the students.
At West Friendship Elementary School, fifth-graders began preparing for the May 21 SCH in mid-April. Their teachers – Beth Cayer, Nathan Haskins, and Libby Swords – assigned the students to teams and coached those teams as they researched five different facets of the Constitution. Fifth-grade paraeducator and SCH Coordinator Avery Stanert, special education teacher Patricia Mack-Preston, media specialist Kathy Showman and several parent volunteers also guided the students.
For an hour each day in school, the teams researched specific questions about their topics and pinpointed relevant current events. This year, the WFES students used Wikispaces to record their work. This technology allowed them to keep in contact with their teammates outside of school, and they wholeheartedly embraced the new aid.
After weeks of research, the teams of “constitutional experts” began preparing their four-minute opening statements, which they divided into parts so that all students had an opportunity to speak. Additionally, they practiced answering a set of prepared questions with their adult facilitators so that they could respond appropriately to the judges during the six-minute question and answer period following their opening statements.
As the big day grew closer, the entire school prepared patriotic art projects to decorate the building. Kindergarteners colored American flags to line the sidewalk, 1st Graders traced their bodies to create Shadow Citizens for the cafeteria walls, and second-graders made tin tiles to adorn the judges’ luncheon tables. The Academic Life Skills class also assisted with the luncheon decorations by making placemats.
Meanwhile, third-graders developed digital drawings of U.S. Symbols and fourth-graders created abstract flags to hang in the Media Center. Finally, to decorate the hallways, the busy fifth-graders designed frakturs (Pennsylvania Dutch forms of artwork), large red and blue banners quoting famous Americans, and a patchwork Preamble to the Constitution.
Behind the scenes, Band Teacher Amy Bejm taught her students to play the “Star Spangled Banner” and music teacher Rich Umla guided the second- and fourth-grade choruses in learning new patriotic songs. Gifted and Talented teacher Elsa Fawcett also helped a group of students choreograph a dramatic dance set to the 4th Graders’ choral selection. Dozens of other staff and parent volunteers assisted with everything from setting up tables and chairs, preparing food for the judges, and greeting the distinguished guests.
This year’s guest judges included state Del. Gail Bates, District 9A; Dario J. Broccolino, Howard County State’s Attorney; Honorable Jay Fred Cohen, Judge, Orphan’s Court for Howard County; Donna Culan, Facilitator, Professional Development Schools Program; Ann DeLacy, President, Howard County Education Association; Gina Ellrich, Ellrich Communications; Sandra H. French, Howard County Board of Education member; state Sen. Allan Kittleman, District 9; Angie Mattero, legislative aide to state Del. Warren E. Miller, District 9A; Kwame Rich, 2008 presidential delegate; Dr. Janet Siddiqui, Howard County Board of Education member; and John Sokich, Director of congressional affairs for the National Weather Service. Additionally, Howard County Executive Kenneth Ulman spoke during the opening ceremony, as did social studies office liaison John Krownapple.
As a parent visitor to the SCH, I was struck by the students’ thorough preparation and poise in front of the judges. Other parents called the day “amazing” and “impressive.” Tracy Buch believes that her fifth-grade sons, Bennet and Cade, and their classmates “will want to vote when they are of age because they understand the impact it will make.” Jackie Tuma relates that because of the SCH, her son, Ryan, was able to provide her with information about the recent Supreme Court appointment. As a form of hands-on learning, the SCH certainly made a memorable impact on these students.
Congratulations to the WFES community on a successful educational event!