G.R. Bar Association partners with GRPS to teach students about U.S. Constitution

On Tuesday, September 20, at 9:00 a.m., in honor of the 224th Anniversary of our nation’s founding document, attorneys from the Grand Rapids Bar Association volunteered their time to educate students about the U.S. Constitution. They visited approximately 1,300 5th grade students in 55 classrooms.

Every school receiving federal money is required to educate their students about the Constitution on or around Constitution Day, September 17. GRPS students had the opportunity to learn first-hand from attorneys about the U.S. Constitution and how it impacts their everyday lives. Nearly every 5th grade student at GRPS was a part of this valuable learning experience!

Students were not just given information; students were able to ask attorneys questions about the constitution as well as working in the legal field.

Julie George, 5th grade teacher at Aberdeen Elementary, had attorneys come to her class to teach her students.  “I was impressed with how much the students already knew about the Constitution,” said Ms. George.

With the financial support of Fifth Third Bank, teachers and students were given educational packets, containing pocket constitutions and flash cards. Educational materials were published by the non-profit, non-partisan organization Liberty Day.

“The materials included pamphlets that contain an interactive website for students to visit, as well as lesson plans for teachers,” said Kimberly Coleman, Executive Director of the Grand Rapids Bar Association.

The Constitution is important to learn about not just for lawyers, but for students too.  It is the foundation for the basic rights every citizen has.  The attorneys explained it in easy-to-understand language and explained why it is important the Constitution exists.