{"id":505,"date":"2024-03-13T21:33:16","date_gmt":"2024-03-14T01:33:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sites.bsu.edu\/civics\/?p=505"},"modified":"2024-03-26T16:56:15","modified_gmt":"2024-03-26T20:56:15","slug":"create-newsletter-march-2024","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/sites.bsu.edu\/civics\/create-newsletter-march-2024\/","title":{"rendered":"CREATE Newsletter \u2013 March 2024"},"content":{"rendered":"

IN THIS ISSUE<\/strong><\/h2>\n

I.CREATE News and Updates<\/strong><\/h4>\n
    Thank You, Dr. K!<\/ol>\n
      Women\u2019s History Month<\/ol>\n
        Northside Titan is Civics Bee Finalist!<\/ol>\n
          Highlights from the IDEA Conference<\/ol>\n
            Muncie Central Students Visit the Statehouse<\/ol>\n
              Indiana Civic Health Report<\/ol>\n
                Indiana\u2019s Civic Seal<\/ol>\n
                  Indiana Civics Summit<\/ol>\n
                    National History Day Indiana<\/ol>\n
                      Teacher Spotlight: Hannah George<\/ol>\n

                      II.Opportunities for Teachers and Students <\/strong><\/h4>\n
                        Civic Learning Week<\/ol>\n
                          National History Day Judges Needed<\/ol>\n
                            Featured Destination: Eiteljorg Museum<\/ol>\n
                              Upcoming Professional Development: Philosophy for Children<\/ol>\n
                                Professional Development Calendar<\/ol>\n
                                  Summer Civic Learning Academy 2024<\/ol>\n
                                    Civics Trivia<\/ol>\n

                                    III.Save the Date <\/strong><\/h4>\n
                                      Civics Day at Muncie Central<\/ol>\n
                                        Summer Civic Learning Academy<\/ol>\n
                                          Civic Learning Symposium<\/ol>\n

                                          IV.Featured Resources <\/strong><\/h4>\n
                                            National Council for the Social Studies<\/ol>\n
                                              Center for Civic Education<\/ol>\n

                                              I. CREATE News and Updates<\/strong><\/code><\/h1>\n

                                              Thank You, Dr. K: for Progress and Partnership in Muncie<\/strong><\/h1>\n

                                              In our March newsletter, we pause to honor Dr. Lee Ann Kwiatkowski<\/a> (Dr. K), whose dedication and expertise have transformed Muncie Community Schools <\/a>(MCS). Her tenure as CEO has been a testament to the power of community-engaged leadership in catalyzing sustainable educational growth and development.<\/p>\n

                                              \"\"Appointed in July 2019, Dr. K embarked on a mission to rejuvenate MCS<\/a>, guided by a commitment to leveraging local expertise and foster community-driven strategies. <\/p>\n

                                              The legacy Dr. K will leave behind is one of innovation and placing students first. Her experience in public education, spans over 35 years. Her efforts have paved the way for academic and enrollment growth.<\/p>\n

                                              Dr. K will pass the torch to Dr. Chuck Reynolds<\/a>, a respected MCS<\/a> veteran whose experience within the district indicates a continuation of the transformative work initiated by Dr. K. <\/p>\n

                                              On a personal note, as a father residing in Muncie with three children enrolled in MCS<\/a> over the past decade, I am deeply grateful for Dr. K’s contributions to our community and our schools. Her efforts have enriched our children’s educational experiences and boosted my faith in the promise and potential of MCS and our community. <\/p>\n

                                              Dr. K\u2019s leadership has laid a solid foundation for our collective efforts to foster a generation of informed, engaged citizens. Her legacy will resonate within MCS<\/a> and our wider community over the coming decades. <\/p>\n

                                              On behalf of the CREATE<\/a> team, we extend our heartfelt thanks to Dr. K. We wish her all the best with her future endeavors and look forward to our exciting next chapter under Dr. Reynolds’ leadership. <\/p>\n

                                              -David J. Roof. <\/strong><\/p>\n

                                              Celebrating Women’s History Month<\/strong><\/h1>\n

                                              CREATE’s Frankenstein Essay Contest<\/em><\/h2>\n

                                              \"\"March is Women’s History Month<\/a>, a time dedicated to honoring the contributions and achievements of women throughout history and in contemporary society. It’s a period for reflection, celebration, and education, acknowledging the role of women in shaping our world. <\/p>\n

                                              CREATE<\/a> celebrates the women who fought for suffrage, civil rights activists, as well as the influential policymakers and contemporary leaders making strides in many sectors. We seek to develop interactive learning activities that encourage students to delve deeper into women’s history. These activities include researching local women leaders in Muncie and an essay competition<\/a>. Such activities are designed to foster critical thinking, research skills, and a deeper appreciation for the contributions of women to our civic life. <\/p>\n

                                              In celebration of Women’s History Month<\/a>, CREATE is thrilled to announce a Mary Shelley Frankenstein essay contest, an initiative that bridges the legacy of women in literature and their enduring influence on society. Mary Shelley’s influenced by her mother, Mary Wollstonecraft<\/a>, whose ideas on equality and education, articulated in her seminal work “A Vindication of the Rights of Woman,” resonated through Shelley’s life and writings. <\/p>\n

                                              CREATE<\/a> is calling on fifth-grade and Middle School students at Muncie Community Schools who are passionate about exploring themes related to the author and her iconic book. <\/p>\n

                                              Essay Prompt<\/strong>: Mary Shelley’s “Frankenstein” delves into themes of creation, responsibility, and society. Write a short story or \"\"reflection about individual responsibility towards the creations we bring into the world. <\/p>\n

                                              Submission Guidelines<\/strong>:<\/p>\n

                                                Essays should be 250-500 words<\/strong> in length.<\/ol>\n
                                                  Typed submissions<\/strong> are preferred, but handwritten essays will also be accepted.<\/ol>\n
                                                    Essays must be original and written by the student submitting them<\/strong>. <\/ol>\n
                                                      Submissions should include the student’s name, grade, and their teacher\u2019s contact information (email or phone number).<\/ol>\n

                                                      Judging<\/strong>: All submissions will be judged by students in the Honors College<\/a> at Ball State. Winners will be selected based on creativity, clarity, and depth of analysis.<\/p>\n

                                                      First Prize<\/strong>: The winning student will receive a gift card and teacher and student will be publicly recognized at the 2024 Civic Learning Symposium.<\/p>\n

                                                      All essays must be submitted by April 20, 2024.<\/strong><\/p>\n

                                                      How to Submit<\/strong>: Please email your essay to create@bsu.edu or drop off a physical copy at Teachers College Room 805 (Attn: David J. Roof)<\/p>\n

                                                      Don’t miss this opportunity to engage with literature, explore civic themes, and showcase your writing talents For inquiries or more information, contact David J. Roof at djroof@bsu.edu<\/p>\n

                                                      Northside Titan Is a Finalist in the National Civics Bee!<\/strong><\/h1>\n

                                                      \"\"Faizan Reshtya, a Northside Middle School<\/a> student from Muncie Community Schools<\/a>, has earned a place as a finalist for the U.S. Chamber of Commerce National Civics Bee<\/a>. CREATE promoted student involvement in the Civics Bee<\/a>. We are extremely proud of Faizan. <\/p>\n

                                                      The National Civics Bee <\/a>is an annual competition that encourages young Americans to engage in civics and contribute to their communities.Participating 6th, 7th and 8th grade students flex their civics knowledge for a chance to win recognition and cash prizes. In partnership with local and state chambers of commerce across the country, the third annual National Civics Bee<\/a> is taking place in 2024. <\/p>\n

                                                      The top three winners from each local competition will advance to compete in the Indiana Civics Bee Competition <\/a>on August 23 at the Statehouse \u2013 hosted by the Indiana Chamber of Commerce and Indiana Department of Education. The state finalist with the highest cumulative score will be named the first place winner of the state competition and have the opportunity to compete in the National Civics Bee Championship.<\/p>\n

                                                      Highlights from the IDEA Conference<\/strong><\/h1>\n

                                                      The ninth annual Neighborhood I.D.E.A. Conference <\/a>was held on March 2, 2024, at Ball State University, aimed at bolstering Muncie’s vibrant community. The conference attracted over 100 of Muncie’s most active local leaders, eager to exchange knowledge, strategies, and inspiration.<\/p>\n

                                                      \"\"Several neighborhood representatives engaged in discussions about enhancing civic dispositions and promoting voting within families. CREATE’s initiative was met with enthusiasm, as handouts and business cards exchanged hands, promising future collaborations.<\/p>\n

                                                      Support from Local Government<\/strong>: Mayor Ridenour’s<\/a> presence and acknowledgment of CREATE’s efforts in supporting Muncie Central High School’s (MCHS) Civics activities and the SCLA program reaffirmed the local government’s commitment to civic education.<\/p>\n

                                                      Council Involvement<\/strong>: City Council<\/a> member Nora Powell expressed eagerness to increase her involvement, reflecting a growing interest among city officials in civic and educational initiatives.<\/p>\n

                                                      Campus Voting Initiative<\/strong>: Dee Hoffman, President of the BSU Staff Council<\/a>, showed keen interest in the campus voting initiative. Recognizing the importance of encouraging student employees to participate in the democratic process, she reached out for further collaboration.<\/p>\n

                                                      Engaging Youth<\/strong>: Dominic Bordenaro from the Boys and Girls Club <\/a>discussed the potential of involving elementary-age children civic projects. Highlighting the need for resources such as transportation and food, this interaction opened doors for expanding civic education to younger audiences.<\/p>\n

                                                      First Responders and Public Service<\/strong>: Sgt. Amy Kesler of the Muncie Police Department <\/a>explored opportunities for CREATE to support students considering careers in public service, including first responders, demonstrating the multifaceted impact of civic engagement.<\/p>\n

                                                      Health and Civic Participation<\/strong>: Dorica Watson, Director of Community Engagement for Open Door<\/a>, shared insights on promoting voting among low-income residents, stressing the intersection of health and civic participation.<\/p>\n

                                                      Muncie Central High School Students Visit the Statehouse<\/strong><\/h1>\n

                                                      On March 5th 2024, 60 students from Muncie Central High School<\/a>, led by Julie \"\"Snider, embarked on a memorable journey to the heart of Indiana\u2019s legislative process at our Statehouse. This annual trip, is a cornerstone of students’ civic education, offering a firsthand look at the workings of state government and is an opportunity for the students to meet and interact with Indiana’s legislative landscape. Representatives Sue Errington<\/a> and Senator Scott Alexander <\/a>graciously met with the students, offering insights into the responsibilities and challenges of their roles, as well as discussing current legislative issues and processes.<\/p>\n

                                                      For many students, this was more than just a field trip; it was an eye-opening exposure to the practical aspects of governance and democracy. Engaging directly with lawmakers, the students voiced their questions and concerns, gaining a deeper understanding of how state government impacts their daily lives and the importance of being informed and engaged citizens.<\/p>\n

                                                      This trip to the Statehouse not only provided a practical lesson in civics but also left a lasting impression on the students, inspiring them to become more active participants in their democracy. Muncie Central High School<\/a> continues to provide meaningful civic learning opportunities, ensuring that its students are well-prepared to contribute to society as knowledgeable and engaged citizens.<\/p>\n

                                                      Indiana Civic Health Index 2023 Report<\/strong><\/h1>\n

                                                      \"\"Civic health is \u201cthe way that communities are organized to define and address public problems.\u201d Every two years, the Indiana Civic Health Index <\/a>(INCHI) analyzes local data and publishes findings to promote robust civic engagement, including an exchange of ideas, an investment in finding solutions to public problems and using civil discourse to address issues.\u201d The INCHI<\/a> includes data in three primary categories: Voting and Voter Registration, Social and Community Connectedness, and Civic Awareness and Action. In 2024, increasing voter registration and voter turnout remain a major challenge for Hoosiers: <\/p>\n

                                                        Indiana has placed in the bottom 10 of all states on midterm voter turnout<\/strong> since 2010.<\/ol>\n
                                                          Indiana trails the national voting rate of 52.2%<\/strong> exceeded the voting rate (41.9%) by more than 10%.<\/ol>\n
                                                            Indiana\u2019s ranking for voter registration<\/strong> is consistently in the bottom half of all states.<\/ol>\n

                                                            Increasing Indiana\u2019s civic health <\/a>will help citizens engage, identify common goals, and \u201cuse their shared knowledge to solve problems in all areas of community concern.\u201d Indiana\u2019s demographics show that it is attracting and retaining new residents, becoming increasingly diverse, aging, struggling with low income levels, and lagging in educational attainment. Many non-voters feel that \u201cmy vote doesn\u2019t matter.\u201d <\/p>\n

                                                            The INCHI<\/a> recommends that institutions and individuals collaborate to \u201censure improvements on all measures of civic participation.\u201d These include fostering civic-minded attitudes of belonging, unity, and belief in the value of community.<\/p>\n

                                                            The area of voter registration that the most significant impact can be made in preparation for the upcoming 2024 election, especially with a concerted focus on registration of Hoosier youth. <\/p>\n

                                                            CREATE Celebrates Indiana\u2019s Civic Seal Legislation<\/strong><\/h1>\n

                                                            Indiana\u2019s Civic Seal legislation, Senate Bill 211<\/a>, passed on March 10, 2024, and focuses on excellence in civic engagement for students and schools. The National Council for the Social \"\"Studies<\/a> promotes civics diploma seals as special recognition of student achievement, \u201ctangible symbols of the value of comprehensive and research-based civic education practices in schools. It is an endorsement that indicates exemplary performance in a specific area of study, and a civics diploma seal can signify a student’s competency in civic knowledge, responsibility, values, and engagement.\u201d <\/p>\n

                                                            SB 211<\/strong> establishes that schools and students may earn this designation for excellence in civic engagement. <\/p>\n

                                                            Several criteria can be considered: <\/strong><\/p>\n

                                                              Documented volunteer hours <\/ol>\n
                                                                Documented participation in project-based learning opportunities<\/strong> that demonstrate engagement in the local community or a statewide initiative<\/ol>\n
                                                                  Successful completion of course work that emphasizes the student’s understanding of civil society, constitutional government, and the democratic process<\/strong><\/ol>\n
                                                                    Other criteria that demonstrates excellent civic participation<\/strong> <\/ol>\n

                                                                    Moving beyond the classroom, NCSS says \u201cSeals send a signal to colleges and employers that a student has excelled in an area of study. Local education agencies can take great pride in a Civic Seal as well as the number of diploma seals that are awarded to students. Civic Seals can serve as an accountability measure for school effectiveness, and a way to encourage parents and the public to support civic education<\/em>.\u201d <\/p>\n

                                                                    Reflecting on the “We the People” Session<\/strong><\/h1>\n

                                                                    March 13, 2024, CREATE held a session in collaboration with the Indiana Bar Foundation<\/a> led by Tim Kalgreen, to equip teachers with information on the “We the People” (WTP) competitions.<\/p>\n

                                                                    Aligned with the Indiana Academic Standards<\/a> for Social Studies and English Language Arts, the WTP program ensures that participants gain not only a theoretical knowledge of constitutional democracy but also practical skills in critical thinking, public speaking, and civic engagement.<\/p>\n

                                                                    For those who couldn’t join us, we encourage you to explore the “We the People”<\/a> program and consider integrating its rich curriculum into your educational journey. Together, we are forging the path towards a more knowledgeable and engaged democracy. <\/p>\n