Constitution Month
While the nation celebrates Constitution Day on September 17, the California judicial branch spends the entire month of September commemorating our country's founding document.
When planning your school's commemoration, connect with your local court. Here are a few ways you can partner with your local court and bring civics to life this September:
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Swearing-In Student Leadership: All grades are welcome!
Real-life simulations are a proven effective civic learning practice. For your new school year, invite a judge to administer the oath of office to your elected student leaders. If you don't have an oath, we'll prepare one for you.
This activity may be added on to an assembly, classroom visit, or a courtroom visit.
Activity time: 5 Minutes
Note: to request a visit to the courthouse, use the "Locate a Court Outreach Program" map.
Judges in the Classroom Visit
If you'd like to host a judge this September, submit a request early as resources in some counties are limited or are reserved quickly.
Courts are currently accepting requests from K-12 public schools, non-traditional learning environments, and are prepared to visit ESL classrooms. Let us know what an ideal visit might look like for your students. Remember, the sooner you submit your request, the better.
First Annual Soapbox Challenge
A soapbox oration competition is a public speaking event where students deliver persuasive speeches about an issue they feel strongly about.
If you're a teacher looking for a short-term project, sign up to do a Soapbox event. There are several models to choose from, from a one-time classroom activity to a campus-wide event. When your students are ready to present their work, invite a judge to your classroom to witness.
Receive Your Civic Learning Award
Are you one of the twenty-six schools selected to receive the 2026 Civic Learning Award? In September, Chief Justice Patricia Guerrero and judges throughout the state will visit schools to present the award. Make your request now, and let's start planning your celebration!
New for 2026! For Constitution Month, we've put together some resources for your classroom. Of course, you may find more tools in the Civics for Teachers section.
Use these videos for your own civics skills-building exercise or share with your students for discussion.
If you are hosting a judge for a visit to your classroom, your volunteer may request that you view one or more of these orientation videos with your students before the visit:
