Governor Ivey Announces Alabama Bicentennial Schools Initiative
Governor Kay Ivey recently announced the creation of the Alabama Bicentennial Schools Education Initiative.
The initiative is designed to encourage all public, private, and home school students and teachers to participate in the celebration of Alabama’s 200th anniversary of statehood in 2019.
“Just as it is important that we celebrate our past, we must also ensure future generations understand our state’s history, so that they can guide us to new heights in the days ahead,” Gov. Ivey said.
Participating schools are eligible to receive a gubernatorial commendation, a bicentennial flag and bicentennial-themed school resources for the 2018-19 academic year. Schools may apply on the Alabama Bicentennial Commission website at www.Alabama200.org.
The announcement was made in the Old House Chambers at the State Capitol on Alabama Day to an audience including 4th grade students from area schools, representatives of the Alabama State Department of Education and members of the Bicentennial Commission.
Ivey was joined at the announcement by state Sen. Arthur Orr, chairman of the Alabama Bicentennial Commission, Alabama Department of Archives and History Director Steve Murray and Alabama Reading Initiative Program Coordinator Karen Porter.
The Alabama Bicentennial Schools program is part of a group of education-focused bicentennial projects that also include curriculum development and teacher training on civics and social studies.
Schools may also apply to be designated an Alabama Bicentennial School by developing a school-community project. Designated schools will receive a $2,000 grant to support their project. Three high-achieving schools from each Alabama Congressional district will be recognized as Bicentennial Schools of Excellence during commemoration ceremonies held in Montgomery on Dec. 14, 2019.
For more information about the Alabama Bicentennial Schools initiative, other bicentennial related projects and an events calendar visit www.Alabama200.org.
(Photo credit: Tommy Cauthen-Alabama Tourism Department)