7th Annual "Celebrate the Constitution" Program – Fall 2005

"My World – My Responsibility"

Sponsored by the Pennsylvania Bar Association & Pennsylvania Bar Foundation

What is "Celebrate the Constitution?"

"Celebrate the Constitution" is a unique program that gives students an opportunity to learn about the United States and Pennsylvania Constitutions through fun and informative learning activities. The program assists schools by providing lesson plans on the Constitution and classroom ideas for mock Constitution signings and constitutional conventions. It makes civic learning inviting and entertaining for students of all ages.

How does "Celebrate the Constitution" meet federal funding requirements?

Last year Congress passed a measure requiring all educational institutions that receive federal money to offer students an instructional program on the U.S. Constitution each September 17 (Constitution Day). The measure applies to all public and private institutions, including high schools, colleges and universities that receive federal money. The "Celebrate the Constitution" program satisfies that requirement.

How can my school participate?

It's simple... register your class/school! Once you register, you will receive a planning guide that will include K-12 lesson plans on the Constitution, classroom program ideas — including plans for the popular mock Constitution signings — and a list of organizations that provide civic learning resources for schools.

When does it take place?

"Celebrate the Constitution" will kick-off during the third week of September. But ... the opportunity to participate in the program will not conclude then — schools can hold signing programs and Constitution-related lessons across the state and participate in the elementary school poster contest until Bill of Rights Week in December. This will give everyone an opportunity to have programs throughout the fall. You can fit it into your classroom schedule when it works best for you.

Back by popular demand...

"Celebrate the Constitution" Poster Contest for elementary schools. Information about the contest will be available in the planning guide.

Don’t delay in registering for the program! Help get your school prepared to meet federal guidelines and let your students have fun in the process!

For more information, call 1-800-932-0311, Ext. 2216, or e-mail jennifer.branstetter@pabar.org. You can also download a document [updated: 2005-09-12] from this site with more information about Constitution Day and links to other resources.

Registration information

Please fax the following information to 717-238-2342:

• Name
• School
• Shipping address
• Phone
• Fax
• E-mail
• How many students you anticipate will participate in the program
• Whether you have used PBA materials from any of the past six "I Signed the Consitution" programs