Schools show patriotism to celebrate Constitution

"You can sing or clap, but there will be no talking. This is solemn," principal Ruth Ann Orr told students Monday at Alma Schrader Elementary.

Outfitted in red, white and blue, some waving flags, others waving eagerly to relatives in the audience, students gathered in the auditorium to observe Constitution Day and honor local heroes.

Congress enacted a law in 2004 requiring public schools to recognize the signing of the U.S. Constitution.

The Constitution, signed 220 years ago, is the nation's supreme law and includes the Bill of Rights and separates the duties of the three branches of government.

Public schools determine how to mark the day each Sept. 17. Throughout Cape Girardeau, many schools left lessons up to individual teachers. Alma Schrader counselor Julia Unnerstall decided it was important for the student body to come together "to make it more meaningful." Three weeks of planning led to the event, which included a focus on community heroes and personal character.

Students loudly sang the "Star Spangled Banner" and recited the Pledge of Allegiance, listened to superintendent Dr. David Scala and Mayor Jay Knudtson explain the Constitution's importance, and craned their necks to see the VFW Post 3838 present the colors.

Sgt. Joseph Dilley, left, of Cape Girardeau spoke Monday at Alma Schrader Elementary School as one of the local heroes that students, including his sister-in-law, Mackenzie Terry, brought to a Constitution Day ceremony. School principal Ruth Ann Orr, center, helped introduce them. (Fred Lynch)

Scala said it was the Constitution that allowed students to have the freedom to gather for the event. Knudtson declared patriotism and the Constitution "alive and well." "Those men who stood in front of you, they look a little old, they're losing a little hair like me, but they made a sacrifice for the country. You can repay them by being a good resident and loving your country," Knudtson said, referring to the veterans.

About 50 community members attended. Public servants were presented a poem titled "Our Hero" and were asked to introduce themselves. The town crier was scheduled to attend but was out of town. Jefferson Elementary principal Mark Cook took his place.

Artwork adorned the gym's walls; the third grade made a paper quilt and the fourth grade made posters of the Statue of Liberty, the flag or the White House.

Fourth-graders serving as Character Council Ambassadors escorted guests to their seats and presented a lesson on character.

"I'm excited to see all the city heroes here. Just being able to be a part of this is an honor," said Riley Knight, 9, as she greeted guests.

Parents were pleased with the performance. "It teaches the students more about the country and the importance behind the Constitution," said Laura Stotler. Stotler has a second-grader at Alma Schrader.

Unnerstall said the event has been the biggest yet.

At other schools

At Franklin Elementary, principal Rhonda Dunham said she asked a trivia question about the Constitution every 30 minutes. Students delivered their answers during lunch and were presented prizes. Questions included: How many signatures are on the Constitution? What year was the Constitution formed? Where? Name one of the founding fathers.

Dunham said a display was created discussing citizens' rights, information on the Preamble and pictures of the founding fathers. She also said she asked a third-grade student who recently gained American citizenship to read the Pledge of Allegiance and say what it meant to him.

The Constitution is folded into regular curriculum at Clippard Elementary, principal Sydney Herbst said. At Blanchard Elementary, principal Barbara Kohlfeld said teachers discussed it in their classrooms and during the morning message.

Middle schoolers watched a video on the birth of the Constitution, took a mock citizenship test and engaged in an Internet scavenger hunt based on the Constitution. "Numerous classes are writing their own class constitutions also," principal Mark Kiehne said.

At the junior high, eighth-grade socials studies teacher Becky Mocherman said the team focused on the 10 amendments that comprise the Bill of Rights and showed a video depicting American's rights. Students were challenged with the question: What right do you think is violated most?

Voter registration continued at the high school. Librarian Julia Jorgensen said registration began last week for Patriot's Day, but she ran out of cards and had to restock.

Students could slip into the library during lunch for a viewing of the Ernest Green story. Green was a member of the Little Rock Nine, black students who in 1957 fought to attend the traditionally white Little Rock Central High School in Arkansas.

In Jackson, Superintendent Dr. Ron Anderson said Mayor Barbara Lohr said the Pledge of Allegiance over the intercom and at the junior high Judge Gary Kamp visited classrooms to discuss aspects of the Constitution.

Teachers emphasized the day is important to recognize the Constitution, but government education needs to continue year-round.

lbavolek@semissourian.com

335-6611, extension 123