{"id":582,"date":"2024-04-14T22:58:16","date_gmt":"2024-04-15T02:58:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sites.bsu.edu\/civics\/?p=582"},"modified":"2024-05-10T20:48:10","modified_gmt":"2024-05-11T00:48:10","slug":"create-newsletter-april-2024","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/sites.bsu.edu\/civics\/create-newsletter-april-2024\/","title":{"rendered":"CREATE Newsletter \u2013 April 2024"},"content":{"rendered":"

IN THIS ISSUE<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Issue 13<\/strong><\/h3>\n

I. CREATE News and Updates<\/strong><\/h4>\n
    Civics Day<\/ol>\n
      Muncie Public Library<\/ol>\n
        Indiana Civics Bee<\/ol>\n
          Teacher Spotlight: Rhonda Ward<\/ol>\n
            PGP Summary Letters<\/ol>\n
              MCHS Senior Trip to WDC, NYC<\/ol>\n
                Field Trips to Indianapolis<\/ol>\n
                  The Oscar Goes to…Julie Snider!<\/ol>\n

                  II. Opportunities for Teachers and Students<\/strong><\/h4>\n
                    Featured Destination: Charles W. Brown Planetarium<\/ol>\n
                      Upcoming Paid PD on Zoom: Philosophy for Children with Debi Talukdar<\/ol>\n
                        PD Calendar<\/ol>\n
                          Indiana Bar Foundation\u2019s We the People Summer Institute<\/ol>\n
                            Indiana Bar Foundation\u2019s Civics that Empowers All Students<\/ol>\n
                              Civics Trivia<\/ol>\n

                              III. Save the Date<\/strong><\/h4>\n
                                New American Dialogue<\/ol>\n
                                  Summer Civic Learning Academy<\/ol>\n
                                    Civic Learning Symposium<\/ol>\n

                                    IV. Featured Resource<\/strong><\/h4>\n
                                      Indiana University Center on Representative Government<\/ol>\n

                                      CREATE News and Updates<\/strong><\/code><\/p>\n

                                      2024 Civics Day at Muncie Central High School<\/strong><\/h3>\n

                                      \"\"Final plans are being made for the 2024 Civics Day at Muncie Central High School<\/a> on Friday, April 19. Organized by MCS teacher Julie Snider<\/strong>, the day\u2019s indoor and outdoor events will involve the efforts of dozens of MCHS teachers and several hundred students. Activities will include volunteering with businesses and non-profits, job shadowing, planting trees and flowers, cleaning up the school campus, creating voting buttons and a video campaign promoting civic engagement, an activism workshop, writing letters to elected officials, listening to presentations by Afghan classmates new to Muncie, examining maps and Census data with Citizen Math, a River Walk discussing local biosystems and local history, a discussion with a local judge, visits by elected officials, creating greeting cards for nursing home residents, a painted mural, and painted rocks of Encouragement, baking treats for an animal rescue, creating bird houses, creating upcycled journals and doing a Nature Walk, and watching the films Hidden Figures and Freedom Writers. CREATE<\/a><\/a> will provide a recap of Civics Day 2024 in our May newsletter.<\/p>\n

                                      Muncie Public Library to Provide Civic Resources<\/strong><\/h3>\n

                                      \"\"CREATE is working with Youth Services and outreach staff at Muncie Public Library<\/a> to plan an online Virtual Bookshelf of grade-appropriate resources that MCS teachers can access to support greater access to books, media, and databases related to government, history, media literacy, geography, critical thinking, and civic engagement. Muncie Public Library will also develop and design bookmarks showing appropriate resources for different age\/grade levels. Youth Services staff now are focused on organizing MPL\u2019s annual Summer Reading activities, and CREATE<\/a> hopes that the new resources can be made available by the start of AY 2024-25.<\/p>\n

                                      Muncie Students Shine at Civics Bee<\/strong><\/h3>\n

                                      \"\"The community of Muncie gathered with pride at the Ivy Tech Fisher Building<\/a> in Downtown Muncie on April 9th to support young scholars in the annual National Civics Bee<\/a>. This competition, organized by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce <\/a>in partnership with local chambers, including the Greater Muncie Chamber of Commerce<\/a>, focuses on fostering civic knowledge and engagement among middle school students.<\/p>\n

                                      Multiple students from Muncie Community Schools<\/a> were represented at the event. A student at Northside Middle School<\/a>, emerged as a finalist in the prestigious event. Faizan, previously a camper at the Summer Learning Fun at Camp Adventure, showcased his understanding of civics with an impressive performance.\"\" Braxton, another MCS student is now a finalist with an opportunity to compete at the State level. <\/p>\n

                                      The competition began with an essay contest where students addressed local community issues using their knowledge of civic principles. Selected finalists, including Faizan, then moved on to demonstrate their civics acumen in a quiz format. The top three from this local event will represent our community at the state level. The ultimate goal is to compete in the National Civics Bee Championship<\/a>, where students from across the country will convene to test their knowledge and ability to apply civics in real-world scenarios.<\/p>\n

                                      CREATE<\/a> supported student participation in the Civics Bee<\/a>. This involvement underscores CREATE<\/a>‘s commitment to developing informed, engaged future citizens who are equipped to contribute thoughtfully to their communities.<\/p>\n

                                      \"\"The event was well-attended by students, educators, and community members, all eager to support the participants and celebrate their achievements. The enthusiasm and support showcased at the event reflect a collective commitment to prioritizing civic education in the curriculum. We support the continued success of Indiana students. <\/p>\n

                                      The Greater Muncie Chamber of Commerce<\/a> noted, \u201cWe had the honor of hosting the inaugural #NationalCivicsBee\u00ae in Delaware County<\/em>. Adding, “Fourteen students joined us to compete for the opportunity to flex their civics knowledge and the opportunity to win cash prizes<\/em>.” <\/p>\n

                                      Congratulations to Hunter from Delaware Community School Corporation<\/a>, who took first place, followed by Noah from Daleville Community Schools<\/a>, who received second place, and Braxton from Muncie Community Schools<\/a>, who took home third place. Each student worked extremely hard, and we are proud of each of their efforts!<\/p>\n

                                      Thanks to the judges, Kelsey Harrington, Garrett Doan, and Brenda Brumfield, for their support and volunteering of their time. Katy Maggart, Director of Membership & Marketing for the Greater Muncie Chamber of Commerce<\/a> also gave a shout-out to Dale Basham<\/strong> for being the event’s emcee, adding “We already can’t wait for next year<\/em>!\u201d<\/p>\n

                                      Teacher Spotlight: Rhonda Ward<\/strong><\/h3>\n

                                      \"\"This month CREATE highlights the work of Rhonda Ward, Assistant Director of the Muncie Area Career Center<\/a> and Director of Diversity at MCS. Rhonda is the founder and Sponsor of the HBCU (Historically Black Colleges and Universities<\/a>)\/Diverse Cats Club at Muncie Central High School<\/a>. During club meetings, students research and learn about various HBCUs. Demonstrating civic engagement by acting to benefit the less fortunate is important to Rhonda and Club members. During holidays, they make cards for special needs students at MCS and for the elderly in nursing homes. They also collect toys for pre-school students as well as food for the food insecure. \u201cI feel civics is important for students because it leads them to be informed and engaged members of society<\/em>,\u201d Rhonda said. \u201cIt also helps them understand the importance of exercising their rights and knowing what those are and having a voice and being able to use that voice<\/em>.\u201d This academic year, Club members have participated in the Hamilton County HBCU Fair, attended the Center for Leadership \"\"Development<\/a> College Prep Conference in Indianapolis, and traveled to HBCUs during a trip sponsored by Indiana Gear Up. Some Club members attended the Kings Feast in Indianapolis sponsored by the Bloom Project<\/a>, which offers mentoring, college preparation, service learning, and character development. Other members explored Girlhood, Inc., an organization that empowers girls to be \u201cconfident in their own skin, prepared for their futures, proud of who they are, and ready to take their place in the world.\u201d Rhonda also took Club members to see a dynamic performance of Step Afrika<\/a>, an experience funded by CREATE and covered in its October 2024 newsletter. \u201cI’m always looking for opportunities in our community and beyond to help shape and mold our students into the leaders and productive citizens they aspire to be one day<\/em>,\u201d Rhonda said. \u201cI love to see students get out of their comfort zones, and I’m always encouraging them to try something new and get involved in activities that will increase their leadership skills and build their resumes<\/em>.\u201d <\/p>\n

                                      Professional Growth Points Summary Letters<\/strong><\/h3>\n

                                      CREATE<\/a> will provide Letters for MCS teachers who have participated in professional development events. The Letters will document the date, title, number of hours, and number of PGPs for each PD opportunity completed. Teachers can use the Letters to support license renewal. CREATE<\/a> expects to email letters to teachers by mid-May.<\/p>\n

                                      Muncie Seniors Experience Washington D.C., NYC, and Earthquake!<\/strong><\/h3>\n

                                      \"\"Sixteen Muncie High School<\/a> seniors just returned from an unforgettable five-day trip to Washington D.C. and New York City, led by social studies teacher Jennifer Jensen. CREATE provided over $28,000 in financial support for the trip. The flight from Indianapolis to Baltimore marked the first airplane journey for several students. Over the first three days in Washington D.C., the group explored the Smithsonian Museums along the National Mall. The American History and Natural History museums were students\u2019 favorite stops. The group also visited iconic monuments and war memorials including the Lincoln Memorial and White House. A guided tour of the Capitol Building highlighted the nation’s legislative history, and a visit to the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery provided a powerful concluding experience. <\/p>\n

                                      In New York City, \u201cseniors got their first breathtaking view of the city from the One World Trade Center Observatory<\/em>,\u201d Jen said. \"\"\u201cHearing the awe from the students as they took in their first views of the skyline was the highlight of my trip!\u201d The group completed a 10-mile walking tour of the city\u2019s landmark sites, including the Financial District and the Charging Bull, Wall Street, the Stock Exchange, and Trinity Church. \u201cThe group paid their respects at the 9\/11 Memorial, with a stop to see the name of Gary Lee Bright, a Southside High School Graduate, on the South Tower Memorial<\/em>,\u201d Jen said. After a ferry ride to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island, the students felt the April 10 earthquake while on Liberty Island! The group \u201creveled in the bright lights and shopping of Times Square\u201d and enjoyed a Broadway performance of “Chicago.” The students said goodbye to NYC with strolls through Central Park, Rockefeller Center, and Grand Central Station<\/em>,\u201d Jen said. <\/p>\n

                                      \"\"Senior Dion Welch said “I really loved my 2024 senior trip. Everything we did was incredible and it was truly a once in a lifetime experience. This trip really got everyone to get out of their comfort zone. Thank you Ms. Jensen and everyone else connected with this experience, it was one of the best times I’ve ever had in my life<\/em>.” Jen agreed the trip provided \u201ca wealth of historical insights but also allowed us to experience firsthand the vibrant spirit and rich culture of these great cities. From the hallowed halls of the Capitol to the shining lights of Broadway, each day was a new chapter in our adventure, leaving us with memories and friendships that will last a lifetime<\/em>,\u201d she said. \u201cWe have already begun our preparations to take the Class of 2025 next spring<\/em>!\u201d<\/p>\n

                                      MCS Explores Indiana\u2019s Capital<\/strong><\/h3>\n

                                      \"\"Over the past several weeks, two MCS groups took field trips to Indianapolis to explore Indiana\u2019s government, history, and cultural resources. On March 5, Muncie Central teacher Julie Snider led 70 high school students on a tour of the Indiana Statehouse that included the Governor\u2019s Office, the House chamber, and the Supreme Court chamber. Students also met with State Representative Sue Errington and State Senator Scott Alexander. \u201cThe Senate was in session, so we saw a debate about current legislation that was going on in their chamber<\/em>,\u201d Julie said. \u201cIt was very exciting<\/em>!”<\/p>\n

                                      On April 5, Northside Middle School <\/a>Principal Ben Williams took 54 students from the NMS National Junior Honor Society and \"\"Principal Student Advisory Council to the Indiana Statehouse and Eiteljorg Museum<\/a>. These student leaders relished the opportunity to see where Indiana laws are made. “The hope is to inspire these school leaders, who are young teenagers, to see a vision for their lives, where they too can be leaders for our community, state, and nation<\/em>,” Principal Williams said. Their 90-minute tour of the Statehouse included the House and Senate chambers and the Indiana Supreme Court chamber, where a tour guide explained their rich history, architecture, and symbolism. In the House chamber, students emulated legislators in a \u201cfierce\u201d debate on the new Cell Phone Law, which allows school corporations to adopt policies to forbid the use of student cell phones in the classroom. Students left with a new appreciation for civics, democracy, and the \u201cpalpable responsibility of our lawmakers<\/em>,\u201d Principal Williams said. Students then visited the Eiteljorg Museum and its works showcasing the diverse cultures of Native America and the West through stories, historical context, artistic expression, and diverse perspectives. The trip underscored the essential \u201cimportance of taking students outside the four walls of a school building in order for them to interact in civics discussion<\/em>,\u201d Ben said. \u201cEducation should not just be a place, but an experience<\/em>.” <\/p>\n

                                      CREATE<\/a> was pleased to fund bus transportation for both trips.
                                      \nThe next several weeks will see several MCS field trips going to new and exciting destinations\u2014watch for CREATE\u2019s May newsletter to find out more!<\/p>\n

                                      And the Oscar Goes to…Julie Snider!<\/strong><\/h3>\n

                                      \"\"Muncie Central High School<\/a> social studies teacher Julie Snider<\/strong> and her colleagues were recognized with an Oscar award by Muncie Delaware Clean and Beautiful<\/a> at its Annual Dinner on Friday, April 12, for MCHS\u2019s Earth Day Civics event in April 2023. MDCB\u2019s Oscar is awarded to \u201cindividuals and organizations in our community that exemplify \u201cbeautification.\u201d This can be, but is not limited to, volunteer service, taking care of property (home or business), managing a median, bringing awareness to a critical environmental need, artistic pursuits that enhance our community, and building or creating sustainable infrastructure.\u201d Earth Day Civics involved over 30 teachers and 500 students in civic engagement projects that included planting native trees and flowers and litter removal on the MCHS campus. CREATE Project Director Donna Browne, a MDCB board member, made the nomination in recognition of both beautification and demonstrating to students the importance of caring for physical communities and the environment as a civic duty.<\/p>\n

                                      Opportunities for Teachers and Students<\/strong><\/h2>\n

                                      \"\"Featured Destination: Charles W. Brown Planetarium<\/a><\/p>\n

                                      Muncie\u2019s own planetarium<\/a> on the Ball State University campus hosted more than 20,000 visitors in 2023 with free presentations showing the wonders of our universe. It maintains a constantly changing schedule of shows as well as offers hands-on activity stations and experiments that connect students with Planetarium staff before and after the presentation. Teachers can book a free private show of approximately one hour between 9am-4:30pm during the BSU academic year. Grade-appropriate shows are described in its rich Show Library. Each show includes a friendly discussion with a trained science communicator and strives to align with science standards. Recent shows include:<\/p>\n

                                        \u2022 Magic Treehouse<\/a>: Space Mission follows series characters Jack and Annie as they search for answers to a mysterious riddle with the help of a friendly astronomer.<\/ol>\n