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The United States Constitution was signed on September 17, 1787 and as part of a learning experience Kingsford Park Elementary School sixth grade teacher Tod Simons had a major class project culminate with the signing of the “Class Constitution.”
Visitors to the classroom will quickly see the wall to floor length “Class Constitution”. This is something that the students and teacher are quite proud of.
As the students faced the deadline of completing the task and Simon said, “They wanted to come up with the most professional document possible. Some students were striving for just big words, but we had a discussion and they came up with a wonderful close which was right to the point and very succinct.”
Continuing he said,”This whole thing really said what we wanted it to say. The closing hit the nail on the head.”
After starting out with a shopping list of potential rules after much discussion the class settled on a list of ten rules. Simons said, “These rules are going to make this classroom a place free of distractions, a place where we are responsible, a place where we feel safe and a place where we are mature.”
He continued, “At the end it says we will respect the following rules we have created and by signing this document we will accept the consequences of our behavior.”
Simon noted that this document doesn’t simply live in his classroom, but it is to be used by his students throughout the building. He said, “We hope we will influence other people with this.”
The students were excited and satisfied over their efforts, but they felt it was important to sign their “Class Constitution” on the day when the nation’s founding fathers put their signature on the historic document.
Class Constitution
We the friends in the community of Room 215, willingly pledge to uphold the following decrees to create a classroom that is polite, kind, honest and trustworthy. We would like a secure community that is free of distractions where people are cooperative and compassionate. We will expect our fellow classmates to be both mature and responsible role models.
The following decrees we suspect are necessary for a healthy and growing community.
1.   Treat others as you would like to be treated; give all a chance.
2.   “Speak” using good body posture and no using vulgar gestures.
3.   Use appropriate language while on school property or playground.
4.   No exclusive clubs; all are equal and included.
5.   No violence, physical contact or threatening behavior.
6.   Respect all people and their belongings.
7.   Everyone shall be responsible for their own actions and belongings without excuses.
8.   Keep personal business and secrets out of school.
9.   No talking at unnecessary times.
10. Be prepared for every class and have your homework done and ready.
We will now respect and follow the rules we have created and by signing this document, we will accept the consequences of our behavior.
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