Richardson ISD social studies teachers and students engaged in activities this week to honor Celebrate Freedom Week and Constitution Day. Across grade levels, classrooms focused on history, the Constitution, founding documents, and civic responsibilities.
Classroom Activities by School
At Berkner High School, Caroline Wallace led a World Geography discussion on the concept of freedom, comparing societies with varying degrees of liberty. Pearce High School teacher Tori Tucker facilitated multi-day discussions covering the Declaration of Independence, natural rights, social contract theory, and Enlightenment influences. Subsequent sessions addressed the Constitution, separation of powers, federalism, and the amendment process.
The week concluded with a tribute to U.S. veterans.
Also at Pearce High School, US History teachers Abby Goldfarb and Emily Broad guided students through critical-thinking exercises applying the First Amendment and Fourth Amendment protections to personal experiences. Richardson High School teacher Martin Russell utilized quiz games to review constitutional amendments daily.
Lake Highlands High School teacher Marisha Watson had students recite text from the Declaration of Independence while waving American flags. At Westwood Junior High, James Drenner’s eighth-grade class analyzed the Constitution and the Declaration of Independence, rewriting rights in their own words and discussing the importance of government.
Camile Jacobie at Lake Highlands Middle School showed a video on the Bill of Rights and assigned letters to King George explaining colonial independence. District officials noted that teachers intentionally integrated these topics into pacing guides using interactive strategies, writing, and discussions to make democratic values relevant for learners.
