Citizenship in Higley Students: Honoring Our Veterans

Veterans Day is an important holiday for the Higley Unified School District. For nearly two decades, our district has been committed to honoring the military veterans of the United States Armed Forces through special events, community recognition, and participating in our local Veterans Day Ceremony and parade.

We believe it is important for our students to honor those who have served and gain a better understanding of the brave men and women who have kept our country safe.

Our commitment runs deep – we have even embraced the tradition of “challenge coins” to encourage school and military pride.

This is all part of Higley’s core mission to “empower students to be responsible citizens with the knowledge, skills, and work ethic required for success in their future endeavors.”

Not only are we one of the top-performing school districts in the State of Arizona, but we work every day to ensure that our students are learning to be good citizens and contributing members of society.

Our district places a strong emphasis on civic engagement and social studies education.

Students learn about the principles of democracy, the Constitution, government structures, and their role as citizens in a democratic society. They explore historical events, current issues, and the importance of participating in the democratic process.

Our commitment is found at all levels.

In preschool, our students learn the Pledge of Allegiance, which all students across all grade levels recite to begin their school day.

In Kindergarten, our students learn self-awareness and respect for others.

Our middle schools carry mottos including “Respect and Accountability.”

Our high school students have the opportunity to earn the Arizona Seal of Civics Literacy on their diploma.

The Arizona Seal of Civics Literacy program emphasizes civic and service learning to close the growing civic engagement gap in our society. Students must successfully complete all Social Studies requirements for graduation with an overall grade point average in those classes of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale and pass the Arizona Civics Test.

Students must additionally complete at least three civic learning programs that include items like AP Government or JROTC. They must also participate in at least two civic engagement activities that can include serving on a school site council, being a member of a youth advisory board, or being a member of Boy Scouts or Girl Scouts.

And finally, students must complete at least 45 hours of community service or commit to military enlistment.

Students across all Higley schools are preparing to honor our veterans with events, memorials, or assemblies to acknowledge and recognize the importance of service.

Whether it’s a Veterans Breakfast, a Wall of Honor display, student-written thank you cards to veterans, or a community parade, activities this week throughout our schools allow students to strengthen connections with those who serve in the military. They allow our service members to share their stories and values with children who will become our community’s future leaders.

Higley serves approximately 13,500 students in two preschools, nine elementary schools, two middle schools, two high schools and a virtual academy. At every level with every student, we are committed to building good citizens who share our local values.

As we prepare to once again honor those who serve our country, we thank you for the opportunity to educate your children and help play a part in building strong leaders for tomorrow.

We would like to invite our readers to submit their civil comments, pro or con, on this issue. Email AZOpinions@iniusa.org.