True education extends beyond test scores; it's about raising young people who feel a sense of ownership over their country and community. Schools that actively provide opportunities for students to engage with law enforcement and participate in patriotic competitions are doing just that! Benjamin Rush Middle School is building the foundation for informed, involved, and active citizens.
Academic competitions focused on national principles are a potent way to transform abstract ideals into personal meaning. The participation of BRMS social studies students in the American Library Association's "Poster Design Contest" during Constitution Week perfectly illustrates this. The contest required students to go beyond rote memorization of dates and amendments. They had to research, reflect on, and visually represent how they and their families benefit from the freedoms embodied in the U.S. Constitution. This level of creative application and personal connection ensures a deeper, more lasting understanding of their fundamental rights and responsibilities. By encouraging reflection on foundational documents, these competitions cultivate an informed patriotism and a sense of loyalty rooted in understanding the country's principles and history. The process of submitting entries, especially the ten chosen to represent the school nationally, instills pride and validates the importance of civic literacy!
Equally important to civic education is creating a strong, positive relationship between youth and the local agencies that protect the community. Programs that facilitate non-enforcement, positive interactions with law enforcement are crucial for breaking down potential barriers and stereotypes. Benjamin Rush Middle School hosted an Ultimate Frisbee game between the BRMS Cross Country team and a combined team of Rushville Policemen and Rush County Sheriff's deputies! When officers participate in a casual, competitive, and fun activity like Ultimate Frisbee, they shed their official roles and become simply fellow community members and athletes. This helps students see police officers as mentors and regular people, fostering trust and mutual respect, which is a key ingredient for a safe and cooperative community. Ultimate Frisbee, governed by the "Spirit of the Game," which relies on player self-officiation and communication to resolve disputes, naturally encourages fair play, conflict resolution, and teamwork. When students and officers are forced to communicate and collaborate on the field, it builds essential social skills in a low-stakes environment. Though the cross country team came up short on the scoreboard, the real victory was in the fun they had, an experience that lays the groundwork for future collaboration.
These seemingly simple activities, like designing a poster or playing a game of frisbee, are powerful tools for civic engagement. By tying classroom learning to real-world government and connecting students with local officers, schools ensure that the next generation is prepared not only to understand their society but to confidently step up and participate in making it better.
Written by: India Burris