{"id":869,"date":"2025-01-13T22:15:18","date_gmt":"2025-01-14T03:15:18","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sites.bsu.edu\/civics\/?p=869"},"modified":"2025-01-17T11:42:35","modified_gmt":"2025-01-17T16:42:35","slug":"create-newsletter-january-2025","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/sites.bsu.edu\/civics\/create-newsletter-january-2025\/","title":{"rendered":"CREATE Newsletter \u2013 January 2025"},"content":{"rendered":"

January Newsletter<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Issue 20<\/strong><\/h3>\n

I. CREATE News and Updates<\/strong><\/h4>\n
    Southside Middle School Attends Governor\u2019s Inauguration<\/ol>\n
      “Appeals on Wheels” Brings a Courtroom to Muncie Central<\/ol>\n
        See Highlights – 2024 Civic Learning Symposium<\/ol>\n
          Teacher Spotlight: Jeffry Veatch<\/ol>\n

          II. Opportunities for Teachers and Students<\/strong><\/h4>\n
            Paid Professional Development: Developing Religious Literacy<\/ol>\n
              Introducing the Civic Badge Program<\/ol>\n
                Save the Date: 2025 Conference on Civic Studies and Democracy<\/ol>\n

                IV. Featured Resource<\/strong><\/h4>\n
                  Institute for Curriculum Services<\/ol>\n
                    Encourage Students to Apply for the Indiana Senate Page Program<\/ol>\n

                    CREATE News and Updates<\/code><\/strong><\/h2>\n

                    Southside Middle School Attends Governor\u2019s Inauguration<\/strong><\/h2>\n

                    On January 13, 2025, a group of 20 students from Southside Middle School<\/a> had the unforgettable experience of attending the inauguration of Indiana\u2019s 52nd governor, Republican Mike Braun. The students, along with social studies teacher, Jeffry Veatch and principal Michael Raters witnessed history as \"\"Governor Braun took the oath of office at the Hilbert Circle Theatre in downtown Indianapolis, using both his family Bible and the inaugural Bible of Hoosier President Benjamin Harrison.<\/p>\n

                    The event, attended by prominent leaders such as outgoing Governor Eric Holcomb, former Governor Evan Bayh, and U.S. Senators Todd Young and Jim Banks, highlighted Indiana\u2019s rich history and its path forward. Governor Braun\u2019s speech, titled “The Crossroads of Freedom and Opportunity,” reflected on Indiana\u2019s settler roots and charted an optimistic vision for the state\u2019s future. He emphasized the entrepreneurial spirit of Hoosiers and called for bold action in education, healthcare, and governance.\"\"<\/p>\n

                    Following the inauguration, the students enjoyed lunch at Buca di Beppo, thanks to support from the CREATE<\/a> project, before heading to the Indiana State House. There, they met with Senator Scott Alexander<\/a> and Representative Sue Errington<\/a>, giving them a chance to see democracy in action and engage in meaningful dialog. Mr. Jeff Veatch, Southside\u2019s 8th-grade social studies teacher, praised the day as \u201ca powerful opportunity to connect classroom learning with real-world experiences<\/em>.\u201d He emphasized the importance of showing students the practical side of civic engagement.<\/p>\n

                    Dr. Roof noted, \u201cThis field trip embodies the mission of CREATE<\/a>\u2014to foster civic learning and provide students with opportunities to witness and engage with our democratic processes<\/em>.\u201d<\/p>\n

                    \"\"Southside\u2019s principal, Michael P. Raters<\/strong>, expressed gratitude for the collaborative effort between Southside and CREATE to make this experience possible. He highlighted how events like this inspire students to see themselves as future leaders and active participants in their communities.<\/p>\n

                    This field trip is a testament to the power of experiential learning and the vital role of partnerships in enhancing civic education for all students.<\/p>\n

                    As Governor Braun said in his inaugural address, \u201cAt this crossroads, we face clear choices. Let us be the risk-takers and trailblazers that Hoosiers deserve in leadership<\/em>.\u201d Thanks to the CREATE<\/a> project and Southside Middle School<\/a>, these students are well on their way to embracing these challenges and shaping Indiana\u2019s future.<\/p>\n

                    “Appeals on Wheels” Brings a Courtroom to Muncie Central<\/strong><\/h2>\n

                    On December 2, the Indiana Court of Appeals<\/a> brought its Appeals on Wheels<\/a> program to Muncie, hosting a special session of oral arguments for approximately 200 students from Muncie Central, Burris Laboratory School, Wapahani, and Delta High Schools. The event, designed to promote civic education and \"\"engagement, gave students a front-row seat to the judicial process.<\/p>\n

                    The case, presented by the Court of Appeals, was argued before Judge Bradford, Judge Weissmann, and Judge Kenworthy. Following the oral arguments, students had the opportunity to engage directly with the judges during a Q&A session, asking thoughtful questions about the judiciary and legal careers.<\/p>\n

                    Afterward, the learning continued over lunch, where students dined with the justices, attorneys, and local leaders, including Mayor Dan Ridenour, Senator Alexander<\/a>, and Delaware County Judge Doug Mawhorr. This informal\"\" setting allowed students to gain deeper insights into the workings of the legal system and explore potential career pathways.<\/p>\n

                    The Appeals on Wheels<\/a> program has a long history of connecting communities with the appellate process, demystifying what happens at higher court levels. Judge Kenworthy, emphasized the importance of bringing the judiciary to the people: \u201cWe are not the ivory tower that they might have an impression of. We\u2019re there, having real arguments and doing our job in front of them<\/em>.\u201d<\/p>\n

                    \"\"By traveling to schools, colleges, and community venues, the program reaches Hoosiers who might not otherwise have the opportunity to witness the judicial system in action. For students, these experiences are transformative, offering a unique perspective on government and the rule of law.<\/p>\n

                    Events like these serve as a powerful reminder of the importance of civic education in fostering informed and engaged citizens. For Muncie students, the experience not only illuminated the judiciary\u2019s role in governance but also encouraged them to think critically about their own responsibilities as future leaders in their communities.<\/p>\n

                    The CREATE<\/a> project celebrates this initiative for advancing civic learning.<\/p>\n

                    See Highlights – 2024 Civic Learning Symposium<\/strong><\/h2>\n

                    The Center for Economic and Civic Learning<\/a> (CECL) at Ball State University proudly hosted the Annual Civic Learning Symposium<\/a> in 2024, an event that united educators, faculty, and community who explored innovative strategies for advancing civic education and engagement.<\/p>\n

                    This year\u2019s symposium, held on Friday, September 27, and Saturday, September 28, centered on the theme “Education, Dialogue, and Deliberation in Our Democracy.” Through distinguished speakers, interactive workshops, and collaborative discussions, the symposium fostered open dialogue, deliberative decision-making, and civic agency in an increasingly polarized world.<\/p>\n

                    Co-sponsored by important partner organizations, the Indiana Bar Foundation<\/a>, the Center on Representative Government<\/a>, the event highlights the critical role of civic education in strengthening democratic practices.<\/p>\n