June 2011 - InMaricopa.com

June 2011 InMaricopa.com 235th graders testify at ‘congressional hearing’By Scott BartleStudents from Michael Russoniello’sfifth grade class at Santa RosaElementary School testified in front of amock congressional hearing on May 20at the Maricopa Unified School Districtboard room.Students from Maricopa HighSchool’s AP Government and Politicsclass commenced the We the Peopleprogram, which is sponsored by theCenter for Civic Education, by providingan exhibition for the crowd andelementary students who followed.The fifth graders testified in front ofa packed house of witnesses. Theygave six-minute prepared statementson questions about citizenship andthe United States Constitution beforetaking questions from the members of“Congress.”“This event was the culmination of ayear’s worth of work in civic education,”scoTT bartleTeacher Michael Russoniello said ClaytonDetweiler’s preparation went “far above andbeyond my expectations.”Russoniello said. “My students spentcountless hours writing their papersboth at school and at home.”Russoniello called the event “themost powerful and meaningfulexperience of my entire educationalcareer. Most of the time teachers putin endless hours of time and effort intoa child’s success, but never truly get tosee the fruits of their labor. Tonight myclass held a simulated congressionalhearing which required them to defineand apply concepts they learned inclass. Many students were able torecite parts of the U.S. Constitutionby line and verse. What an honor it isto sit in a room and discuss politics inan open forum with the future of ourgreat nation.”Among the first group of fifthgraders to testify was Nicole Rocco.Rocco appeared confident andcomfortable during her group’spresentation, but afterward admittedto having butterflies.“It was scary,” the 10-year-old said.“I felt like there was a bunch of peoplejust staring at me.”MUSD governing board members,administrators and high schoolstudents all volunteered to judge thefriendly competition as did severalmembers of the community, includingthe well-qualified Pinal County JudgePro Tempore Joe Estes. The judges tookturns presiding over the high schoolexhibition and five fifth grade units.There was an added bonus forRocco’s and her classmates’ preparationof the event, which was shown live onMaricopa’s government access channel.“I didn’t know I would be on TV,” shesaid. “I feel famous.”Participating Santa Rosa Scorpions:Jenny Arias • Elijah Ballard • Ivana Crespin• Clayton Detweiler • Lauren Johnson • MarcosLeon • Tyler Miller • Rose Montana • SophiaOsbeck • Timahdri Overton • Leslie Reyes• Ashlie Richards • Nicole Rocco • Annisa Ruiz• Logan Spaulding • Emmanuel ValdezParticipating Maricopa Rams:Omar Barba • AJ Beltran • Karrisa Browning• Patrick Duffy • Fernando Estrada • BreeLockridge • Brian Nechamkin • SophiaWahlgren • Joel WreshFaith Baptist ChurchCome see the difference!Dr. Mat Echols, Pastor• Warm, friendly services• Heart-felt music• Bible preachingFather’s Day • A gift for every dad10 a.m. Sunday School11 a.m. Morning Service(520) 568-4990Services at Sequoia Pathway Academy19287 N. Porter Rd. (Honeycutt & Porter)www.faithbaptistchurchofmaricopa.org“A Friendly Bible Believing Church for the Entire Family”