A Guide to Celebrate Freedom Week and Other Federal and State Mandated Observances

1. The History and Text of Constitution Day and Celebrate Freedom Week

In compliance with federal statute, Constitution Day is observed each year on September 17 as a commemoration of the signing of the U.S. Constitution on September 17, 1787.

This practice originated in 1940, when Congress passed a joint resolution requesting the President to issue annually a proclamation to deem the third Sunday in May for public acknowledgment of those who had achieved American citizenship. This was designated as “I Am An American Day.” This observance became known as “Citizenship Day.”

In 1952 Congress changed the date of observance to September 17 to coincide with the day the Constitution was ratified and urged educational leaders to make plans for observance of that day, yet the date remained about a commemoration of citizenship and was still designated as “Citizenship Day.”

In 2004 Congress changed the title of the day to “Constitution Day and Citizenship Day.” Congress also added new requirements for observance of the day. One was for the head of every federal agency to provide employees with training materials related to the Constitution and the other was to require that schools receiving federal funding hold programs for students on September 17th. This has now come to be known as “Constitution Day.”

In 2001, the Texas Legislature mandated that social studies classrooms observe Celebrate Freedom Week during the week of September 17 by passing legislation that reads:

(A) Each social studies class shall include, during Celebrate Freedom Week as provided under the TEC, §29.907, or during another full school week as determined by the board of trustees of a school district, appropriate instruction concerning the intent, meaning, and importance of the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution, including the Bill of Rights, in their historical contexts. The study of the Declaration of Independence must include the study of the relationship of the ideas expressed in that document to subsequent American history, including the relationship of its ideas to the rich diversity of our people as a nation of immigrants, the American Revolution, the formulation of the U.S. Constitution, and the abolitionist movement, which led to the Emancipation Proclamation and the women's suffrage movement.

(B) Each school district shall require that, during Celebrate Freedom Week or other week of instruction prescribed under subparagraph (A) of this paragraph, students in Grades 3-12 study and recite the following text: "We hold these Truths to be self-evident, that all Men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness--That to secure these Rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just Powers from the Consent of the Governed."

©2018, TCMPC 2. Activities to Commemorate Celebrate Freedom Week Picture books – Read picture books to students about the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution to facilitate a discussion about the intent, meaning, and importance of the documents.

Collages - After instruction about the importance of the Declaration of Independence, the U.S. Constitution, and the Bill of Rights students create a collage with words and pictures to illustrate the important ideas included in the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution.

Daily announcements – After instruction about the importance of the Declaration of Independence, the U.S. Constitution, and the Bill of Rights students write a series of daily school announcements for use during Celebrate Freedom Week.

Public Service Announcement(s) - After instruction about the importance of the Declaration of Independence, the U.S. Constitution, and the Bill of Rights students create a public service announcement promoting the importance of knowing your rights. Students would benefit from examining models of public service announcements and instruction in how they are produced.

Bulletin boards - After instruction about the importance of the Declaration of Independence, the U.S. Constitution, and the Bill of Rights students decorate bulletin boards around the school to inform about the intent, meaning, and importance of the Declaration of Independence, U.S. Constitution, and Bill of Rights.

Games - After instruction about the importance of the Declaration of Independence, the U.S. Constitution, and the Bill of Rights students create a board game or a mockup of a potential video game.

Letter writing - After instruction about the importance of the Declaration of Independence, the U.S. Constitution, and the Bill of Rights students write a letter to a friend in another country explaining the importance of the founding documents to Americans.

Rewriting - After instruction about the importance of the Declaration of Independence, the U.S. Constitution, and the Bill of Rights students rewrite the Preamble or the recited paragraph from the Declaration of Independence in student friendly language.

Simulation – Students recreate the Constitutional Convention of 1787. Several websites have materials for conducting such a simulation.

Citizen Bee – Conduct a school wide Citizen Bee to select three winners to advance to the regional competition. Resources are available at citizenbee.org.

History Club/Student Council – Form a student organization that works to inform the school community about Celebrate Freedom Week and other observances and commemorations in a variety of ways including announcements, posters, social media, etc.

Consider organizations that may help such as: • The National Constitution Center • Texas Law Related Education • National Archives and Records Administration • Annenberg Classroom • icivics.org • The Library of Congress • Center for Civic Education • Bill of Rights Institute • digitalhistory.uh.edu • NEH-EDSITEment • Texas Education Service Centers websites

Considers books that may help such as: • We the Kids illustrated by David Catrow • The Journey of the one and only Declaration of Independence by Judith St. George • What’s the Big Deal About Freedom by Ruby Shamir and Matt Faulkner • A More Perfect Union: The Story of Our Constitution by Betsy Maestro • Shh! We're Writing the Constitution by Jean Fritz • We the People: The Constitution of the United States by Peter Spier • A Kids' Guide to America's Bill of Rights: Curfews, Censorship, and the 100-Pound Giant by Kathleen Krull

©2018, TCMPC 4: Other Mandated Observances for Public Schools Both the federal and Texas legislatures have mandated a series of holidays and observances public schools are required to commemorate. The list here represents those noted in Title 6, Subtitle D, Chapter 662 of the Texas Government Code.1

A. Holidays Holidays do not require schools to observe a commemoration with any particular educational programming for students. State agencies observe holidays by granting paid time off while schools observe many of the holidays by releasing students from attending class.

National holidays include: January 1 New Year's Day Third Monday in January Martin Luther King, Jr., Day Third Monday in February Presidents' Day Last Monday in May Memorial Day July 4 Independence Day First Monday in September Labor Day November 11 Veterans Day Fourth Thursday in November, Thanksgiving Day December 25 Christmas Day

State holidays include: January 19 Confederate Heroes Day March 2 Texas Independence Day April 21 San Jacinto Day June 19 Emancipation Day in Texas August 27 Lyndon Baines Johnson Day Friday after Thanksgiving Day Thanksgiving Day December 24 Christmas Eve December 26 Day after Christmas

Optional holidays include only the days on which Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur, or Good Friday falls.

B. Recognition Days Recognition days are observances mandated by the State of Texas and may include requirements for educational programming in public schools.

(1) January 6 – Sam Rayburn Day – required educational programming (a) January 6 is Sam Rayburn Day in memory of that great Texas and American statesman, Sam Rayburn. (b) Sam Rayburn Day shall be regularly observed by appropriate programs in the public schools and other places to commemorate the birthday of Sam Rayburn.

(2) January 9 – Law Enforcement Appreciation Day – optional educational programming (a) January 9 is Law Enforcement Appreciation Day. (b) Law Enforcement Appreciation Day may be regularly observed in public schools and other places. The Texas Education Agency shall develop recommendations for the observation of Law Enforcement Appreciation Day through appropriate activities in the public schools.

(3) Second Tuesday of January – Volunteers for Democracy Day

1 http://www.statutes.legis.state.tx.us/Docs/GV/htm/GV.662.htm ©2018, TCMPC (a) The second Tuesday in January of each year is Volunteers for Democracy Day in honor of the precinct chairs and other election volunteers who make valuable contributions to the nation's democratic system. (b) Volunteers for Democracy Day shall be regularly observed by appropriate ceremonies.

(4) February 2 – Texas Military Heroes Day – required educational programming (a) February 2 was designated by Governor Abbott as Texas Military Heroes Day in order to educate students in public schools about the sacrifices made by brave Texans who have served in the armed forces of the United States. (b) Texas Military Heroes Day must include appropriate instruction, as determined by each school district. Instruction may include the following: (1) Information about persons who have served in the armed forces of the United States and are from the community or the geographic area in which the district is located (2) Participation, in person or using technology, in age-appropriate learning projects at battlefields and gravesites associated with a person who has served in the armed forces

(5) February 19 – State of Texas Anniversary Remembrance Day (STAR Day) – required educational programming (a) February 19 is State of Texas Anniversary Remembrance Day (STAR Day) in honor of Texas joining the Union and the day that James Pinckney Henderson became the first governor of the State of Texas in 1846. (b) State of Texas Anniversary Remembrance Day (STAR Day) shall be regularly observed by appropriate and patriotic programs in the public schools and other places to properly commemorate the annexation of this state and to inspire a greater appreciation for the history of this state.

(6) February 19 – Iwo Jima Day – optional educational programming (a) February 19 is Iwo Jima Day in memory of the heroism and courage of the men and women of the armed forces of the United States who participated in the successful capture of the island of Iwo Jima beginning February 19, 1945. (b) Iwo Jima Day may be regularly observed through appropriate activities in public schools and other places.

(7) March 2 – Texas Flag Day Texas Flag Day shall be celebrated each March 2, Texas Independence Day.

(8) March 21 – Breast Reconstruction Advocacy and Education Day (BRAVE Day) (a) March 21 is Breast Reconstruction Advocacy and Education Day, or BRAVE Day, to promote breast reconstruction advocacy and education, and the rights and choices women have for prevention of, treatment for, and recovery from breast cancer. (b) BRAVE Day shall be regularly observed by appropriate programs and activities.

(9) March 29 – Vietnam Veterans Day (a) March 29 is Vietnam Veterans Day in honor of the men and women who served in the Vietnam War on behalf of this nation. (b) Vietnam Veterans Day shall be regularly observed by appropriate ceremonies.

(10) April 9 – Former Prisoners of War Recognition Day (a) April 9 is Former Prisoners of War Recognition Day in honor of the courage of those Americans who suffered sacrifices and tribulations as prisoners of war in the course of their military service on behalf of this nation. (b) Former Prisoners of War Recognition Day shall be regularly observed by appropriate ceremonies.

(11) Second Wednesday of May – Public Schools Paraprofessional Day – required educational programming

©2018, TCMPC (a) The second Wednesday in May of each year is Public School Paraprofessional Day in recognition of education paraprofessionals including teacher assistants, instructional aides, educational trainers, library attendants, bilingual assistants, special education associates, mentors, and tutors. (b) Public School Paraprofessional Day shall be regularly observed by appropriate ceremonies and activities in the public schools and other places to properly recognize the paraprofessionals who have made tremendous contributions to the educational process.

(12) May 9 – Willie Velasquez Day (a) May 9 is Willie Velasquez Day in observance of the birthday of William "Willie" Cardenas Velasquez. (b) Willie Velasquez Day shall be regularly observed by appropriate ceremonies and activities.

(13) May 22-May 26 – International Trade Awareness Week (a) May 22 through May 26 is International Trade Awareness Week to encourage Texas businesses to engage effectively in the promotion and development of international trade. (b) International Trade Awareness Week shall be observed by appropriate ceremonies and activities.

(14) May 24 – Lung Cancer Awareness Day (a) May 24 is Lung Cancer Awareness Day to encourage residents of this state to learn about: (1) the prevalence of lung cancer; (2) the statistical risks of developing the disease, including behaviors that increase the risk of developing the disease; (3) ways to increase early diagnosis and treatment of the disease; and (4) ways to reduce the prevalence of the disease. (b) Lung Cancer Awareness Day shall be regularly observed by appropriate programs and activities.

(15) June 12 – Women Veterans Day (a) June 12 is Women Veterans Day to recognize the role of women in the military forces and to commemorate the sacrifices of and valor displayed by Texas women veterans. (b) Women Veterans Day shall be regularly observed by appropriate programs and activities.

(16) July 7 – Fallen Law Enforcement Officer Day (a) July 7 is Fallen Law Enforcement Officer Day in recognition of the ultimate sacrifice made by Texas law enforcement officers killed in the line of duty. (b) Fallen Law Enforcement Officer Day shall be regularly observed by appropriate ceremonies.

(17) July 26 – Waxahachie Chautauqua Day (a) July 26 is Waxahachie Chautauqua Day in recognition of the Waxahachie Chautauqua auditorium and to promote the history of Chautauqua, the role Chautauqua plays in preserving communities, and the educational and cultural opportunities Chautauqua offers through community programs. (b) Waxahachie Chautauqua Day shall be regularly observed by appropriate programs and activities.

(18) Fourth Saturday of July – National Day of the Cowboy (a) The fourth Saturday in July of each year is National Day of the Cowboy in recognition of the historic, cultural, and social contributions of the cowboy. (b) National Day of the Cowboy shall be regularly observed by appropriate ceremonies and activities.

(19) Second Sunday of August – Texas Parents Day The second Sunday in August of each year is Texas Parents Day to celebrate the Texas family and to emphasize the importance of parents taking an active role in the raising and future of their children.

(20) August 26 – Women’s Independence Day – required educational programming

©2018, TCMPC (a) August 26 is Women's Independence Day to commemorate the ratification in 1920 of the Nineteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution, which guaranteed women the right to vote. (b) Women's Independence Day shall be regularly observed by appropriate programs in the public schools and other places to inspire a greater appreciation of the importance of women's suffrage.

(21) September 11 – Texas First Responders Day – required educational programming (a) September 11 is Texas First Responders Day in honor of the bravery, courage, and determination of Texas men and women who assist others in emergencies. (b) Texas First Responders Day shall be regularly observed by appropriate ceremonies in the public schools and other places to honor Texas first responders. Each governmental entity may determine the appropriate ceremonies by which Texas observes Texas First Responders Day.

(22) Third Wednesday of September – Dr. Hector P. Garcia Day – required educational programming (a) The third Wednesday of September is Dr. Hector P. Garcia Day in memory of the significant contributions to the Mexican American civil rights movement of Dr. Hector P. Garcia, a distinguished physician and a recipient of the Presidential Medal of Freedom and the founder of the American GI Forum, which promotes civil rights protection of Hispanic veterans and all Americans. Dr. Garcia, a World War II hero, was awarded a Bronze Star Medal with six battle stars in recognition of his meritorious service to the United States. (b) Dr. Hector P. Garcia Day may be regularly observed by appropriate ceremonies and activities in the public schools and other places to properly commemorate the importance of the contributions made by Dr. Garcia.

(23) Third Saturday of September – Texian Navy Day (a) The third Saturday in September of each year is Texian Navy Day in remembrance of the Texian Navy. (b) Texian Navy Day shall be regularly observed by appropriate ceremonies and activities.

(24) Last Friday of September – American Indian Heritage Day – required educational programming (a) The last Friday in September is American Indian Heritage Day in recognition of the historic, cultural, and social contributions American Indian communities and leaders have made to this state. (b) American Indian Heritage Day shall be regularly observed by appropriate ceremonies, activities, and programs in the public schools and other places to honor American Indians in this state and to celebrate the rich traditional and contemporary American Indian culture.

(25) Last Sunday of September – Gold Star Mother’s Day (a) The last Sunday in September of each year is Gold Star Mother's Day in recognition of mothers whose sons and daughters died while serving in the United States armed forces. (b) Gold Star Mother's Day shall be regularly observed by appropriate ceremonies.

(26) October 1 – Influenza Awareness Day (a) October 1 is Influenza Awareness Day to raise awareness of the health risks associated with influenza and encourage Texans to take proactive measures to reduce exposure to those risks. (b) Influenza Awareness Day shall be regularly observed by appropriate programs and activities.

(27) Second Monday of October – Columbus Day (a) The second Monday of October is Columbus Day in honor of Christopher Columbus. (b) Columbus Day shall be regularly observed by appropriate ceremonies. (c) Public offices of this state shall remain open on Columbus Day.

(28) Third Wednesday of October – Breast Reconstruction Awareness Day (a) The third Wednesday in October of each year is Breast Reconstruction Awareness Day to promote education, awareness, and access for women considering postmastectomy breast reconstruction.

(29) First Friday of November – Texas Arbor Day (a) The first Friday in November of each year is Texas Arbor Day to encourage the planting and cultivation of forest, shade, and ornamental trees throughout the state. (b) Texas Arbor Day shall be regularly observed by appropriate ceremonies and activities.

(30) November 3 – Father of Texas Day – required educational programming (a) November 3 is Father of Texas Day in memory of Stephen F. Austin, the great pioneer patriot and the real and true Father of Texas. (b) Father of Texas Day shall be regularly observed by appropriate and patriotic programs in the public schools and other places to properly commemorate the birthday of Stephen F. Austin and to inspire a greater love for this beloved state.

(31) Saturday Prior to Thanksgiving in November – Texas Adoption Day (a) The Saturday before Thanksgiving Day of each year is Texas Adoption Day to celebrate and encourage adoption, adoptive families, and adoption workers in Texas. (b) Texas Adoption Day shall be regularly observed by appropriate ceremonies and activities that encourage participation in and raise awareness about the adoption process and that honor adoptive families and adoption workers in Texas. (c) The Department of Family and Protective Services shall create a statewide awareness campaign to promote Texas Adoption Day and shall coordinate ceremonies and activities held throughout the state.

C. Recognition Weeks There are several weeks designated for raising awareness of a variety of issues. Those designated by legislature of the State of Texas are included here. None of the recognition weeks requires educational programming by public schools.

(1) Jury Appreciation Week The first seven days in May are Jury Appreciation Week in recognition of the outstanding and important contributions made by Texas citizens who serve as jurors.

(2) Transportation Week The week that includes the third Friday in May is Transportation Week in recognition of National Transportation Week and the contributions of the transportation industry to the State of Texas.

(3) Obesity Awareness Week The second full week in September is Obesity Awareness Week to raise awareness of the health risks associated with obesity and to encourage Texans to achieve and maintain a healthy lifestyle.

(4) Monarch Butterfly Week (a) The first seven days of October are Monarch Butterfly Week to encourage Texas residents and visitors to study, observe, and promote the life of the state insect, the monarch butterfly. (b) Through participation in the Texas Monarch Watch program sponsored by the Parks and Wildlife Department, Texas residents and visitors may help scientists answer research questions about monarch biology and migration.

(5) Native Plant Week – optional educational programming (a) The third full week in October is Texas Native Plant Week to celebrate the native plants of Texas. (b) Texas Native Plant Week may be regularly observed in public schools and other places with programs to appreciate, explore, and study Texas native plants.

(6) Direct Support Professionals Week The second full week in September is Direct Support Professionals Week to honor the work of direct support professionals as an integral part of the long-term support system for individuals with physical and mental disabilities.

D. Recognition Months There are several months designated for raising awareness of a variety of issues. Those designated by legislature of the State of Texas are included here. Two of the recognition months requires educational programming by public schools.

(1) January – Human Trafficking Prevention Month – optional educational programming (a) January is Human Trafficking Prevention Month to increase awareness of human trafficking in an effort to encourage people to alert authorities to any suspected incidents involving human trafficking. (b) Human Trafficking Prevention Month may be regularly observed through appropriate activities in public schools and other places to increase awareness and prevention of human trafficking.

(2) March – Texas History Month – required educational programming (a) March is Texas History Month in honor of those Texans who helped shape the history of the State of Texas and in recognition of events throughout Texas' history. (b) Texas History Month shall be regularly observed by appropriate celebrations and activities in public schools and other places to promote interest in and knowledge of Texas history.

(3) April – Texas Fruit and Vegetable Month (a) April is Texas Fruit and Vegetable Month to promote awareness of the health benefits of fruits and vegetables and to encourage Texans to consume more fruits and vegetables. (b) Texas Fruit and Vegetable Month shall be regularly observed by appropriate celebrations and activities.

(4) April – Child Safety Month – optional educational programming (a) April is Child Safety Month in recognition of the children of this state as this state's most precious resource. By establishing April as Child Safety Month, this state seeks to ensure that the children of this state grow up in a safe and supportive environment by promoting their protection and care through increased public awareness of: (1) ways to reduce accidental injury and death through the use of bicycle helmets, seat belts, safety and booster seats, and smoke alarms; and (2) the dangers presented to children by unattended and unlocked vehicles and by being left in closed vehicles during hot or sunny weather. (b) Child Safety Month may be regularly observed by appropriate celebrations and activities in public schools and other places to promote the protection and care of children in this state.

(5) April – Minority Cancer Awareness Month (a) April is Minority Cancer Awareness Month to increase awareness of cancer in minority populations and encourage funding of education and earlier and more effective diagnosis and treatment of cancer. (b) Minority Cancer Awareness Month shall be regularly observed by appropriate activities in public locations to increase cancer awareness, including the specific effects, incidences, and impact of cancer on minority populations, and encourage support for minority cancer education, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention.

(6) April - Sexual Assault Awareness Month – optional educational programming (a) April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month to increase awareness and prevention of sexual assault.

(7) May – Postpartum Depression Awareness Month (a) May is Postpartum Depression Awareness Month to increase awareness of postpartum depression and to encourage: (1) the identification of signs, symptoms, and treatment options for postpartum depression; (2) the creation and update of lists of recommended materials for perinatal mental health available through the Department of State Health Services and the Health and Human Services Commission; (3) electronic circulation of and posting on state and local agency websites of recommended postpartum depression resources; (4) mothers-to-be and new mothers to be screened for postpartum depression using validated survey instruments; and (5) collaboration between governmental agencies, educational institutions, hospitals, private health care practices, health insurance providers, Medicaid providers, and mental health agencies to increase awareness of postpartum affective illness. (b) Postpartum Depression Awareness Month shall be regularly observed through appropriate programs and activities to increase awareness of postpartum depression.

(8) July – Buffalo Soldiers Heritage Month (a) July is Buffalo Soldiers Heritage Month in honor of the bravery and dedication of Texas' Buffalo Soldiers and in recognition of their contribution to the legendary history of the Lone Star State. (b) Buffalo Soldiers Heritage Month shall be regularly observed by appropriate ceremonies and activities.

(9) September – Hydrocephalus Awareness Month – required educational programming (a) September is Hydrocephalus Awareness Month to: (1) increase public awareness of hydrocephalus, a serious neurological condition characterized by the abnormal buildup of cerebrospinal fluids in the ventricles of the brain; and (2) encourage the development of partnerships between the federal government, health care professionals, and patient advocacy groups to advance the public's understanding of the condition, improve the diagnosis and treatment of the condition, and support research for a cure. (b) Hydrocephalus Awareness Month shall be regularly observed by appropriate activities in public schools and other places to increase awareness of hydrocephalus.

(10) October – Persons with Disabilities History and Awareness Month – optional educational programming (a) October is Persons with Disabilities History and Awareness Month to: (1) increase public awareness of the many achievements of people with disabilities; (2) encourage public understanding of the disability rights movement; and (3) reaffirm the local, state, and federal commitment to providing equality and inclusion for people with disabilities. (b) Persons with Disabilities History and Awareness Month shall be regularly observed by appropriate celebration and activities to promote respect for and better treatment of people with disabilities in this state. (c) Each public school may: (1) elect to observe Persons with Disabilities History and Awareness Month; and (2) determine the appropriate activities by which the school observes Persons with Disabilities History and Awareness Month.

(11) November – Lung Cancer Awareness Month – optional educational programming

©2018, TCMPC (a) November is Lung Cancer Awareness Month to increase awareness of lung cancer and encourage funding of research and more effective treatments. (b) Lung Cancer Awareness Month may be regularly observed by appropriate activities in public schools and other places to increase the awareness of lung cancer and support for lung cancer research.