Congress passed legislation that requires the implementation of an educational program pertaining to the United States Constitution, on a date designated by statute officially as Constitution Day and Citizenship Day. This 2004 Congressional initiative is authorized by Section 111 of Division J of Public Law 108-447 and applies to educational institutions receiving federal funding from the U.S. Department of Education (USED).
All schools may determine what kind of educational programs are appropriate for their students. Some informational resources pertaining to the Constitution that may be useful in planning educational activities are listed on the U.S. Department of Education’s Commemorating Constitution Day and Citizenship Day website. The Virginia Department of Education offers the Documents of American History including the text of the Constitution of Virginia, Virginia Statute for Religious Freedom, Declaration of Independence, Constitution of the United States of America with Amendments, and the Virginia Charters.
Additionally, the Library of Virginia’s Document Bank of Virginia provides a repository of primary documents related to the Constitution and other topics that can be browsed and searched by era or theme. Information about citizenship and civics is also available at other websites such as the National Constitution Center.
Should you need additional information about Constitution Day, please contact Mrs. Jenny Eaton, Director of Title I & Instructional Programming/Lead Director of Social Studies.