MONTEVALLO, Ala. — Students across Alabaster City Schools are preparing for an immersive journey into the foundations of American democracy. From September 14–18, the district is partnering with the American Village to host a system-wide Constitution Week experience that brings the nation's founding document off the page and into the classroom.
The initiative spans every grade level from kindergarten through 12th grade. Driven by 65 custom lesson plans designed by American Village educators, the week features costumed historical drop-ins, artifact-packed traveling trunks, live performances, and individual pocket Constitutions for students.
"The scope of this project has been incredible, and we are so excited for the opportunity to celebrate Constitution Week with every student in Alabaster City Schools," said Val Crofts, Chief Education and Programs Officer at American Village. "Our Founders believed that an educated citizenry was vital to the continued success of our Republic, and we are proud to share that mission with Alabaster City Schools."
The program's curriculum is tailored to match each age group's learning style:
Kindergarten – 3rd Grade: Young students will start each day with "Founding Friends: Patriots of Early America," a five-part video series introducing historical figures such as Abigail Adams, Benjamin Franklin, Eliza Hamilton, Salem Poor, and Martha Washington. In addition, living history interpreters will greet students during morning drop-off at select elementary schools.
4th – 5th Grade (Thompson Intermediate): Upper elementary students will engage in tactile learning using hands-on educational trunks. Fourth graders will study the Bill of Rights, while fifth graders explore Amendments 11 through 27. Learning kits feature real-world objects tied to constitutional rights—such as a suffragette sash and voter button for the 19th Amendment, a petition and microphone for the First Amendment, and reproductions of James Madison’s original notes for the Ninth Amendment.
Middle & High School (Thompson Middle & High): Older students will participate in live, onsite presentations hosted by American Village historical interpreters, connecting historic constitutional debates directly to modern civic life.
District leadership and educators emphasize the lasting impact of giving students a dynamic, hands-on connection to history.
“We are excited to partner with the American Village to bring such an extraordinary, immersive learning experience to Alabaster City Schools,” said ACS Superintendent Dr. Wayne Vickers. “This collaboration provides our teachers with world-class resources and gives our students across all grade levels a dynamic, memorable look at our nation’s founding principles. By bringing history to life in our classrooms, we are helping shape the next generation of informed, responsible citizens.”
ACS Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum & Instruction, Dr. Amanda Wilbanks, has been working with educators district-wide to prepare for Constitution Week.
"This partnership gives our students the opportunity to build a deeper understanding of the Constitution through experiences that are engaging, relevant, and memorable," said Dr. Amanda Wilbanks, Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum and Instruction. "By connecting classroom learning with the people, documents, and ideas that shaped our government, we are helping students see not only how our government was formed, but why those ideas still matter in their lives today."
Dr. Ashley Riner, a social studies teacher at Thompson High School, noted the value for all students, especially at the secondary level.
"We are excited for our high school students to learn from the American Village representatives and see that history is not simply something we study—it continues to shape the world they live in today."
Tuesday, Sept. 15 (7:00–8:00 AM): Alexander and Eliza Hamilton visit Meadow View Elementary during morning arrival.
Wednesday, Sept. 16 (8:00–11:00 AM): Thompson Middle School live performances across three grade-level sessions.
Thursday, Sept. 17 (7:00–8:00 AM): George and Martha Washington visit Creek View Elementary during morning arrival.
Thursday, Sept. 17: Thompson High School live interactive sessions for 9th–12th graders on Constitution Day.
Celebrated nationally each year to mark the signing of the U.S. Constitution on September 17, 1787, Constitution Week serves as a reminder of the nation's shared civic principles.
For more information on educational programming, visit the American Village website.