We the People - Observing Constitution Day

The United States Constitution is the most important document in the country. It sets out our form of government and enumerates rights and protections for American citizens. It was ratified in 1787, and is arguably more relevant now than ever before. Not bad for a 224-year-old. Schools across the country dedicate one day a year to teaching and celebrating the Constitution. Officially, September 17 is Constitution Day. (The Constitution was ratified on September 17, 1787.) But this year, schools are observing Constitution Day on September 16. 

A great Constitution Day resource — for students, parents, and teachers - is the Scholastic News Kids Press Corps special report Know Your Constitution. The special report brings the Constitution alive through interviews with people charged with upholding the laws and rights of the Constitution.
One of the interviews in the collection is with President Barack Obama. When the Kid Reporters spoke with the President in July, they took the opportunity to ask him about the Constitution. After all, he was a Constitutional Law professor before becoming President — and his primary responsibility as President is to protect and uphold the Constitution. His insights on why the Constitution is relevant and cool in 2011 are sure to resonate with kids — they certainly made an impression on the Kid Reporters!
Some of the other interviews in the collection are with former Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O’Connor, Chief Justice of the Supreme Court John Roberts, and former Senator Robert Byrd. These are joined by stories from the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia and the Newseum in Washington, D.C., which put on an exhibit highlighting the First Amendment. Games and other resources for kids and adults alike round out the collection.
You can learn more about Constitution Day on the Constitution Center website. There, you can find information about the Constitution itself, the Amendments, and the Consitutition Hall webcast.
taken from the oomscholasticblog - by Dante  

September 11, 2001

Labor Day

Many people think of Labor Day as the end of summer. But what's today's holiday really about?

The first Monday in September is Labor Day, a special day to celebrate working people.

Who first came up with the idea of a workers' holiday? There is still some doubt. The idea may have come from Canada, where Labour Day parades have been held since 1872.

Some historians say a machinist named Matthew Maguire started the holiday. Maguire was a union leader in New York City. In 1882, Maguire called for the city's workforce to lead a "festive parade through the streets of the city." More than 10,000 workers marched through New York City.

Labor Day was later officially recognized by several states, beginning with Oregon in 1887. It became a national holiday for all workers across the U.S in 1894.

That year, President Grover Cleveland wanted to heal wounds from a conflict between workers and big companies that started with the Pullman Railroad Strike. During the strike, more than 250,000 railroad workers from 27 states fought with the country's biggest railroad companies for higher pay and shorter workdays. President Cleveland wanted Labor Day to recognize the contributions of workers to the American economy.

These days, Labor Day means many things to Americans. It heralds the start of the pro football season, and the start of a new school year for many students. It's also a time for parades and fireworks, and for enjoying the last days of summer.      from scholastic.com

 Hope you had a happy day!!

WATCH A SLIDESHOW

Check out these facts and figures about workers in America.