10/30/2006
Young constitutional scholars benefit from gift
John H. Gendron , Daily Times


COVENTRY -Friday, Sen. Leo Blais (R-Dist 21) came to Western Coventry Elementary School bearing gifts of knowledge.
Building upon the spirit of a federal law mandating a more rigorous study of the U.S. Constitution in elementary schools, Blais traveled to several schools in Coventry, Foster and Scituate donating copies of the textbook "Constitution Translated for Kids," by Kathy Travis.
"To help celebrate Constitution Day this year, the General Assembly's Permanent Commission on Civic Education asked members of the General Assembly to participate in a special school book project," said a statement released by the Rhode Island State House. "The commission asked legislators to purchase the $11 book for as many fourth- and fifth-grade classrooms as the were able in their legislative district,"
Fourth- and fifth-graders at Western Coventry Elementary School were the recipients of the book in town.
"It pleases me to be able to do something that helps my youngest constituents understand the most important document in our country's history," said Blais. "Learning about the Constitution is a very important part of our young people's education. This book does an excellent job of helping students understand the principles on which our country was founded."
Blais also spoke to the fourth- and fifth-graders on the importance of obtaining a solid understanding of the constitution.
The school's principal, Janice Sullivan, said the books are a welcome addition to the classroom.
"The books are a happy, happy surprise, because now the teachers will use them, and their kid-friendly terms, to teach the kids about the constitution," said Sullivan. "It will be another valuable resource within the classroom."
"If this tool can help answer the students thirst for knowledge, then I've done my job as an elected official," said Blais.