Dear Superintendents,
Civics and Cultural Opportunities in September:
- September 11 is the 20th anniversary of 9/11 when a coordinated terrorist attack unfolded on American soil. Here are several resources for classrooms:
PBS 9/11 Anniversary in the Classroom
- National Hispanic Heritage Month is September 15-October 15 and we celebrate the contributions, diverse cultures, and extensive histories of the American Latino community.
National Hispanic Heritage Month Organization
- September 17 is U.S. Constitution Day – the day that the U.S. Constitution was ratified in 1787. In recognition, Congress has mandated that every educational institution receiving federal funding hold an educational program about this seminal document. Here are a just a few resources available:
National Archives and Records Administration and its free version of the U.S. Constitution Workshop
National Endowment for the Humanities
Jack Miller Center, Constitution Day 2021
*The resource lists are not exhaustive and, rather, are included to spark awareness and further research. Neither the Wyoming Department of Education, nor I, mandate, recommend, or fully vet all resources listed.*
There are five memos this week – here are a few highlights:
- Wyoming’s Judicial Learning Center is located in the Wyoming Supreme Court building and open to the public. Prior to COVID-19 students were frequenting the Center in growing numbers (and they should – it is AMAZING!) At the Center, interactive learning brings the judicial branch of government to life. Prior to or in lieu of an in-person visit, there are many resources at https://jlc.wyo.gov/. All activities are aligned to Wyoming’s Social Studies content and performance standards.
“You Be the Judge” is one of the exhibits at the Judicial Learning Center and allows students to examine evidence and decide the verdict of a case.
OTHER MEMOS:
- Wyoming did not participate in Cards for the Military Project in 2020 but we are eager to pick the project up again this year. I would love to visit your school to pick up cards personally (and I am working on bringing a special guest with me).
- A new FAFSA campaign geared toward students and families is underway.
- There are also memos about WAVES training and a cyber challenge for students round out the memos – take a look.
Sneak peak at the new FAFSA campaign here.
FEDERAL COVID RESOURCES *Please Note: Schools and states that did not have in-person instruction during the 2020-2021 schoolyear are the primary audience for several resources below.*
Memos to be released today:
