Henry County Schools

Celebrate Freedom Week | Day 5: Rights, Freedoms, and Responsibilities

As we conclude Celebrate Freedom Week, we are focusing on the fundamental rights and freedoms enjoyed by American citizens.

The Declaration of Independence established liberty, equality, natural rights, and consent of the governed as foundational American principles. The Constitution created a limited government designed to protect those principles, and the Bill of Rights protects individual freedoms such as freedom of speech, religion, the press, and peaceful assembly.

Citizenship also comes with responsibilities. Responsible citizens follow laws, respect the rights of others, stay informed, participate in their communities, and help preserve our nation’s freedoms.

Thank you for following our journey from independence to Constitution!

Celebrate Freedom Week | Day 4: Constitution Day and Symbols of Freedom

Happy Constitution Day! The U.S. Constitution was signed on September 17, 1787, establishing the framework for our system of government.

Today, we are celebrating by wearing red, white, and blue. These colors appear on the American flag, one of our most important national symbols. Other symbols—including the Liberty Bell, Statue of Liberty, and bald eagle—also represent our nation’s freedom, strength, and independence.

Our third-grade students are marking Constitution Day by participating in the Nationwide Constitution Day Mock Trial. This experience will give them a firsthand look at the judicial branch and the important role courts play in our constitutional system of government.

Celebrate Freedom Week | Day 3: From Independence to Constitution

After declaring independence and winning the American Revolution, the new United States needed a plan for governing the country.

The U.S. Constitution was written in 1787. It established our system of government and begins with the words “We the People,” reminding us that the government receives its authority from its citizens.

The Constitution also created a limited government and divided power among the legislative, executive, and judicial branches so that no one branch would become too powerful.

The Declaration of Independence explained why America became independent. The Constitution created the framework for governing the new nation.

Planes for PLUS! ✈️

Please join us this Friday night at Patriot Stadium as we support both the Henry County Patriots and Planes for PLUS! For $5, anyone of any age may purchase a paper to construct into an airplane. At halftime, those folks will be invited to fly their airplane from the end zone for a chance to win a $50 gift card. All proceeds go to PLUS, which, in turn, go back into to classrooms in our community. This is always a fun night for a great cause!

Pictured: Along with PLUS Board member and HCHS Graduate Dustin Kendall, HCHS Student Ambassadors film a video to share with area students about Planes for PLUS. For more information about how Planes for PLUS operates, please see yesterday's post for the video.

Celebrate Freedom Week | Day 2: The Declaration of Independence

The Declaration of Independence explained why the thirteen colonies believed they had the right to separate from Great Britain and govern themselves. It declared that people have natural rights, including life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.

It also states that governments receive their power from the consent of the governed—meaning that the authority of government comes from the people.

The Declaration announced the creation of an independent United States and established liberty, equality, individual rights, and self-government as foundational American principles.

Celebrate Freedom Week | Day 1: The Road to Independence

Before the United States became an independent nation, it consisted of thirteen colonies governed by Great Britain. As Great Britain imposed taxes and other policies without colonial representation, many colonists began calling for a voice in their government and the right to govern themselves.

These disagreements led to protests, conflict, and the American Revolution. On July 4, 1776, the colonies adopted the Declaration of Independence and announced their separation from Great Britain.

That is why the Fourth of July commemorates the founding of the United States as an independent nation.

Henry County School System will recognize Celebrate Freedom Week September 14–18 with the theme “From Independence to Constitution.”

Throughout the week, students will learn how the thirteen colonies moved from British rule to independence, why the Declaration of Independence was written, how the U.S. Constitution established our system of government, and how our founding documents protect the rights and freedoms of American citizens.

This observance brings together Tennessee’s Celebrate Freedom Week and Fourth of July instructional requirements in one age-appropriate learning experience for students.

Constitution Day is officially observed on Thursday, September 17, and we invite all students and staff to wear red, white, and blue!

We will share a new focus each day so families can follow our journey from independence to the Constitution.