×
×
homepage logo

Ashkar students learn about the Constitution

By Staff | Oct 4, 2011

Ashkar fifth grade teacher, Mrs. Jessica Pennela, left, and her class, pose with Guerline L. Laurore, right, and Ashkar Principal Sherry Cowburn, far right at the conclusion of the Constitution Day Assembly at the Ashkar Elementary School on September 16th. Absent from photo, Susan Etter.

HUGHESVILLE – Susan Etter, Education and Special Projects Coordinator at the Pennsylvania Bar Association and Guerline L. Laurore, Chair of the PBA Law-Related Education Committee talked with Ashkar Elementary students in grades 2 through 6 on Friday, September 16th to celebrate Constitution Day (September 17th).

The students were excited to share what they learned about the Constitution, our laws, how our government works and the rights and responsibilities we have as citizens of the United States. The Pennsylvania Bar Association funds “Celebrate the Constitution” programs and lessons for use in schools across Pennsylvania. They also provide copies of the U.S. Constitution to students to help ensure our future generation of leaders is informed about our history and laws.

Ashkar Elementary in Hughesville was selected by the PBA to kick-off the statewide celebration after speaking with Ashkar principal Sherry Cowburn. Following the program, Principal Cowburn responded by saying, “It is an honor to have been chosen to receive the benefits of this great program at Ashkar Elementary School. The students learned important information about the history of our country and each received a copy of the constitution to take home and share with their families. Learning about history is a vital part of the educational process and Ms. Etter and Mrs. Laurore brought it to life for our students.”

Ms. Susan Etter remarked, “This was one of the best Constitution Day programs we’ve done. The students were so excited and engaged in learning about the Constitution and there was tremendous support fro the program from the teachers and administration. It is good to see students that care about their community and country and want to learn.”

The students were all given Constitution Day materials to read and to take home. One fact noted during the presentation was this: established on November 26, 1789, the first national “Thanksgiving Day” was originally created by George Washington as a way of “giving thanks” for the Constitution.

The National Constitution Center is located in historic Philadelphia, and is touted as America’s most interactive history museum. Located just two blocks from the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall, it is the only museum devoted to the U.S. Constitution and the story of ‘We, the People.’ The words ” We. The People,” mean that we all have ownership in this country, from the very young, such as the students at Ashkar Elementary, to citizens of all ages learning about the Constitution which inspires Americans to be good citizens.