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Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the Red, White, & Blue Schools program?
Created in 2016, Red, White, & Blue Schools is a partnership between the Office of the Secretary of the State, the Connecticut State Department of Education, and the Connecticut Democracy Center in residence at Connecticut’s Old State House. Its purpose is to recognize schools that are going above and beyond in their delivery of civic education. By participating in this program, schools promote being active and engaged members of their communities.
2. Why is this program important?
Research shows that the more students are exposed to civic education throughout their academic careers, the better the chance they will be engaged and active members of their communities throughout their lives.
3. What are the requirements for program participation?
The Red, White & Blue Schools Rubric outlines the participation requirements used to evaluate submissions and determine awards. The program is designed for K-12 students. Submissions will not be evaluated in comparison to each other; they will be evaluated according to grade-level appropriate standards for each component of the Rubric.
4. Is the entire school system or district required to participate?
There is no requirement for entire school districts or systems to participate. It would be appropriate for all classrooms in one grade level at a school to complete one submission. Similarly, a district-wide coordinator could submit for an entire grade level across a district, as the curriculum and instructional activities would be consistent. Download the Rubrics for the complete requirements and criteria.
5. How can I still participate if I have limited instruction time and resources?
The Red, White, and Blue Schools program provides information and resources for students and educators through its website and partnerships. Resources include lesson plan ideas, field trip opportunities, interactive games, and informative videos. Our partnerships with scholarly sources provide a wide range of content suitable for all ages and grade levels.
We want to support your school’s Red, White & Blue projects! If you need help locating resources, navigating the rubrics, or identifying community partners, visit our Contact Us page and reach out to one of our three partner organizations. We will work with individual educators to help you meet the criteria for recognition.
6. What is an example of a successful Red, White & Blue Schools project?
Click here to read the submission for the 2023-2024 Outstanding Red, White & Blue School: Cornwall Consolidated School in Cornwall, CT. Their project was selected for its strong alignment to last year’s theme “Connecting Communities”. As part of their project, CCS’ 7th graders focused on bringing attention to the challenges people with disabilities often face. The students researched the Americans with Disabilities Act and looked for ways to make their school and community more inclusive: they learned beginner sign language and Braille; they then taught 2nd graders elements of both forms of communication and informed them about the ADA; they 3D-printed more than 70 Braille signs and hung them around CCS; and more.
If you have further questions about successful projects or additional resources, visit our Contact Us page and reach out to one of our three partner organizations.
7. What are some incentives for program participation?
Schools that meet the Rubric’s minimum criteria will be honored as Red, White & Blue Schools, recognizing their outstanding commitment and dedication to civic education and engagement. They will receive official certificates and can display on their websites and materials that they are recognized as a Red, White, & Blue School.
Up to three submissions will be recognized as Outstanding Schools and honored at a special ceremony. Students and teachers will present their projects and receive a certificate to display in their schools!
Recognized schools will be announced at the end of the school year in an official press release that is often covered by the media.
8. Where can I find more information if I am interested in participating?
Explore this website – particularly the Rubric & Application page – to learn more about this year’s program theme, lesson-planning materials, and potential community partners. Sign up for our mailing list for the latest program updates and news throughout the school year.
9. How do I submit my project?
The 2024-2025 submission form and questions are available on the Rubric & Application page. Applications will be due in April 2025. If you have questions, please contact Jennifer Vienneau at jennifer.vienneau@rwbschools.org.
