Dear Westminster Public Schools Community,

On September 17, we pause to honor Constitution Day, a moment to reflect on the enduring significance of the United States Constitution. Signed 238 years ago, the Constitution is the bedrock of our nation’s civic life. Over the centuries, it has evolved through amendment, interpretation, and democratic practice - reflecting social change while preserving its core principles. 

As a federally funded public school district, Westminster Public Schools marks Constitution Day each year by providing parents, educators, and community members with resources to explore this foundational document. We encourage families to engage their children in meaningful conversations about the Constitution, its diverse interpretations, and its relevance to contemporary society.

In times of civil discord, it becomes even more important to listen, learn, and seek understanding from multiple perspectives. To that end, we are pleased to share resources from across the political spectrum, as well as primary sources and teaching aids, so that all members of our community may reflect thoughtfully on the Constitution’s meaning and role in our shared democracy.

As you talk with your children, help them to understand that this is not dry, boring text from some dusty pages of the past, but a story full of drama and unforgettable personalities and acts of bravery and heroism. 

By exploring these resources together, we strengthen our civic understanding and renew our commitment to the principles of democracy, justice, and respect that the Constitution represents.

Thank you for partnering with Westminster Public Schools as we guide our students to become thoughtful, informed, and engaged citizens.

Resources to Explore the Constitution

Nonpartisan / Center

National Constitution Center – Interactive Constitution: Paired essays from scholars across perspectives, covering every clause.
Oyez: Supreme Court case summaries, audio recordings, and transcripts.
Library of Congress – Constitution Annotated: Clause-by-clause legal analysis, updated regularly.

Progressive / Left-Leaning

American Constitution Society (ACS): Progressive perspectives on constitutional law.
Brennan Center for Justice: Research and scholarship on constitutional interpretation and democracy.

Conservative / Libertarian Right

Federalist Society: Conservative and libertarian perspectives on constitutional law.
Heritage Guide to the Constitution: Clause-by-clause commentary from conservative scholars.
Cato Institute – Center for Constitutional Studies: Libertarian analysis and annual Constitution Day programming.

Primary Documents & Teaching Aids

National Archives – America’s Founding Documents: Original texts and resources for teachers.
Library of Congress – Constitution Day Resources: Classroom materials and primary source sets.

Warm regards,

Dr. Jeni Gotto
Superintendent of Schools
Westminster Public Schools