Citrus County Schools Celebrate Constitution Day and Freedom Week 2025

Today, September 17, Citrus County Schools join schools across Florida and the nation in commemorating Constitution Day, marking the signing of the U.S. Constitution in 1787. This annual observance, paired with Freedom Week, invites reflection, learning, and celebration of the document that continues to shape American democracy.

Freedom Week, recognized during the third week of September, is guided by Florida law, which requires students to dedicate at least three hours to studying the Declaration of Independence as part of their social studies curriculum. This focused time helps students understand the ideals that inspired the founding of our nation and how those principles remain central to our civic life today.

Across Citrus County, classrooms are engaging in extra special lessons, activities, and discussions that bring these documents to life. From elementary students learning about the freedoms guaranteed in the Bill of Rights to high schoolers analyzing the Constitution’s lasting impact, the week is filled with opportunities to connect the past to the present. For many, it is a highlight of the year to see students thoughtfully exploring the principles that define our nation. These lessons also complement our district’s ongoing commitment to honoring veterans, reinforcing the connection between the freedoms secured in the Constitution and the service of those who protect them.

Thanks to the support of Citrus County Supervisor of Elections Maureen “Mo” Baird, every Civics and Government student will again receive a pocket-sized copy of the U.S. Constitution. This keepsake serves as a daily reminder of the rights and responsibilities that come with citizenship. Special thanks are also extended to Superintendent Dr. Scott Hebert, and Coordinator of Academic Programs and Instructional Materials Dr. Al Balk, our dedicated teachers, and district administrators for helping put these Constitutions directly into the hands of students. In addition, all Citrus County Schools students have access to our nation’s founding documents on their school-issued iPads.

Constitution Day itself was formally established in 2004, when Congress required schools to dedicate at least three hours to teaching about the Constitution each September 17. In Citrus County, that observance has been expanded through Founders Month and Freedom Week, ensuring that students explore the values that continue to guide our democracy.

For Citrus County Schools, Constitution Day and Freedom Week are about more than commemoration. They are about cultivating a lasting appreciation for the freedoms we enjoy and the responsibilities we carry as citizens. As the first Purple Heart School District in the nation, with all schools designated as Florida Purple Star Schools, we place special emphasis on recognizing the sacrifices of our veterans. Education paired with gratitude strengthens students’ understanding of both their civic duties and the legacy they inherit.

As we celebrate Constitution Day and Freedom Week 2025, Citrus County Schools remain committed to teaching and preserving the principles at the heart of our democracy. By studying these founding documents and honoring those who defend them, we ensure their meaning endures for generations to come.

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