At GMSD, we are committed to nurturing not only academic success, but also civic responsibility in our students. Last week, we proudly celebrated Freedom Week, engaging students across all grade levels with activities that highlight the importance of the U.S. Constitution and the principles of citizenship. From thoughtful classroom discussions to hands-on projects, our schools focused on helping students understand the foundations of our democracy.
At Riverdale Elementary, students demonstrated their civic pride by placing star stickers on a Constitution poster, symbolizing their role as active citizens. Over at Germantown Online Academy of Learning (GOAL), daily discussions during morning meetings encouraged students to reflect on the meaning of the Constitution. Farmington Elementary first graders got creative by designing American flags and writing about what it means to be a good citizen.
Meanwhile, Houston High School is working toward earning the prestigious Governor’s Civics Seal, which recognizes schools that promote civic education across all grade levels. To achieve this, Houston is aiming for 100% of seniors to pass the civics assessment with a score of 80% or higher, ensuring they graduate with a strong understanding of government, history and democratic principles. In addition to classroom learning, students are getting hands-on experiences through voter registration drives, the Youth in Government club and real-world simulations like mock elections.
To support these activities, GMSD provided teachers with a range of resources, including videos, activities and Constitution-focused materials. These efforts ensure that our students grasp the significance of the Constitution in a fun, engaging and meaningful way.
As we continue to prioritize civic education, Freedom Week and initiatives like the Civics Seal program serve as powerful reminders of how GMSD is working to build knowledgeable, responsible and active citizens ready to contribute to their communities.