Students across the Monticello Central School District explored the foundations of American government through interactive activities in recognition of Constitution Day on Thursday, Sept. 17.
At Monticello High School, students examined real-life situations in which constitutional rights have been questioned. Working together, students discussed each scenario, identified the applicable constitutional amendment and considered how the protections contained in the Bill of Rights apply beyond the classroom.
At Kenneth L. Rutherford Elementary School, third-grade students gathered in the cafeteria for a special visit from George Washington, portrayed by Alex Awe. During the presentation, students learned how the 13 colonies became the United States and how the Constitution and Bill of Rights helped establish the nation’s system of government.
The presentation also introduced students to the three branches of the federal government, the responsibilities of each branch and the system of checks and balances designed to prevent any one branch from becoming too powerful.
From analyzing constitutional questions at the high school to meeting one of the nation’s Founding Fathers at KLR, Monticello students marked Constitution Day by connecting the country’s history with the rights and responsibilities of citizenship today.