Middletown Area Middle School (MAMS) held its annual Constitution Day event on September 17, celebrating the 238th anniversary of what eighth-grade social studies teacher Mr. Ken Britcher calls “America’s owner’s manual.”
Social studies students in grades six through eight spent part of class outdoors, putting into practice lessons learned about American flag etiquette, including how to raise it, fold it, and properly dispose of it. Students also participated in a solemn flag retirement ceremony near the school’s
“Witness Tree.” The tree is a descendant of the original tree that witnessed the Battle of Gettysburg and serves as a powerful reminder of our nation's historical struggles and sacrifices.
MAMS students and staff were also ‘signers’ of a document, just like our Founding Fathers did in Philadelphia in September 1787, and sang ‘Happy Birthday’ to the document.
New for this year's Constitution Day event, students made
Betsy One Cut Stars and will write the names of veterans who have attended past Constitution Day celebrations but have since passed away. The stars will be held high and names will be read at the school’s annual Veterans Day program on Tuesday, November 11.
The Constitution Day event has been taking place for more than 20 years. We are thankful for teachers like Mr. Britcher and all our social studies teachers for instilling a sense of civic pride in our students.
It was a team effort for MAMS students to properly fold a large flag.
As students sign a copy of the Constitution, seventh-grade social studies teacher Mrs. Laura White explains about giving your 'John Hancock,' referencing the large signature on the Declaration of Independence.
See the gallery below for additional Constitution Day photos!