The Pennsylvania Bar Association, in conjunction with the National Constitution Center and LEAP-Kids, is coordinating the third annual statewide �I Signed the Constitution� program. Schools representing dozens of Pennsylvania counties will participate in this year�s signing - with over 50,000 student signers statewide. Many county bar associations are partnering with the Pennsylvania Bar Association by helping schools to sponsor their signing programs. Judges, lawyers and legislators across the commonwealth will be working with schools to participate in the activities.

The theme for this year�s celebration is �Symbols of Freedom.� Everywhere we go, we are surrounded by the symbols of freedom made possible by the U.S. Constitution: American flags flying over buildings, newspapers on doorsteps, election booths. � And while these symbols may represent something different to each of us, collectively they remind us that, as Americans, we are afforded freedoms unlike any other people in the world.

This year�s celebration began Sept. 17 with a unique kick-off program broadcast live on cable television by the Pennsylvania Cable Network. The program featured prominent federal and state elected officials, the president of the Pennsylvania Bar Association and a member of Pennsylvania�s judiciary who talked with students statewide about the importance of the Constitution and its relevance to their lives. There were also student speakers and special live student musical and theatrical performances.

View the 2001 Guide to Planning a Mock Constitution Signing Program in Your School.* This guide includes all of the information you will need to plan a mock Constitution signing program in your school - plus Constitution-related lesson plans, including the art-poster contest for elementary schools.

For general questions regarding this year�s �I Signed the Constitution� program, contact the Pennsylvania Bar Association Communications Department at 1-800-932-0311, Ext. 2226.

* To view the 2001 Guide to Planning a Mock Constitution Signing Program in Your School you will need to use Adobe Acrobat Reader. If you have to download Adobe Acrobat Reader, go to www.adobe.com.