January 12, 2016
Dear Parents,
In preparation for our congressional hearing simulation, We the People: the Citizen and the Constitution, we have
been researching the Constitution, court cases, and past and present constitutional issues. Your student is
collecting information to answer a constitutional question about which he or she will be testifying as an expert at the
hearing. They will also be responsible for researching several components to gain a broader understanding of their
unit and how it relates to current issues for a question and answer period with a panel of judges. Because of time
constraints, it will be necessary for your student to continue gathering information at home. Please note: At least
3 resources of two different types are required. (Books, magazines, newspapers, websites, etc.)
An annotated list of Internet web sites has been posted in a Word document on our classroom websites. There are
many valuable websites to help facilitate this research, however Internet research is optional. We have spent hours
compiling these sites, and have tried to be very careful in screening for content just prior to releasing this
information to students. However, websites frequently update content, so close supervision of young students is
always necessary with this type of research. We have discussed this in class, and do monitor it closely here at
school. We highly recommend parental supervision at home, as well. If an updated website should contain
inappropriate content, please contact the teacher immediately.
You are encouraged to help your student find relevant information, court cases, current issues, news articles, and to
discuss and clarify the information and issues. You may help your student take notes from the resources, and these
will be brought to school where your student will write his/her prepared statement. RESOURCES ARE DUE
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 27TH!
The writing of your student’s prepared statement must be done independently at school as it is the
written component of the Meridian School District’s performance assessment as a fifth grade exit
requirement.
Thank you for your help,
Diane Bonebrake
Michelle Haycock
Ashley Kalinski
Fifth Grade Teachers, Discovery Elementary
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------After reading the above letter, please sign and return this slip to the school by Friday, JANUARY 22, 2016.
I have read the District We the People PACE letter in its entirety as well as this letter, and agree to help my child
locate three resources of two different types, monitor his/her internet use, and understand ONLY the note taking,
research, and practice of final prepared presentation may done at home.
Student Name _________________________________
Parent Signature _____________________________________________ Date _________________