Bicentennial Schools
On December 14, 2019, the State of Alabama will celebrate its 200th birthday. Between now and then, the Alabama Bicentennial Commission is commemorating the anniversary with a host of activities and initiatives that will engage citizens of all ages in remembering our past and planning for our bright future. Among the most significant and far-reaching bicentennial efforts is a focus on K-12 education. Projects created and supported by the Alabama Bicentennial Commission Education Committee include both hands-on professional development for teachers and the creation of new, easily accessed digital resources for classroom use. A third program, Alabama Bicentennial Schools, encourages all K-12 schools to connect their classrooms with their communities to foster an appreciation for the vital role of civic engagement in the life and work of a strong community and state. By participating in the program, all public, private, and home schools are eligible to receive a gubernatorial
commendation, a bicentennial flag, and bicentennial-themed school resources for the 2018-19 academic year. Up to 200 participants will be designated as Bicentennial Schools and will receive a $2,000 grant to support their project. Of those, three high-achieving schools from each Alabama Congressional district will be recognized as Bicentennial Schools of Excellence during commemoration ceremonies held in Montgomery on December 14, 2019.
The Bicentennial Commission is a member of the Artistic Literacy Consortium and encourages arts educators and arts organizations to participate in Bicentennial projects, using the arts to make a difference in community. If you need ideas, please contact us at
artisticliteracyconsortium@gmail.com
Bicentennial Schools that employ the arts actually meet Goal #4 of the Artistic Literacy Consortium:
GOAL 4: Employ the arts as a catalyst to create and maintain an engaged school and community environment
Strategies:
- connect schools and communities by sharing with and involving parents, local businesses, community organizations, and policy makers
- provide opportunities for community partners and schools to collaborate on the planning and implementation of comprehensive arts education programming
- involve students in identifying and addressing community challenges and opportunities through problem solving in the arts
Deadline to apply to be a Bicentennial School is March 31st. ACT NOW!!!
Please visit the Bicentennial Website for applications and valuable teacher resources:
Alabama Bicentennial Schools