JACKSON — Last week, State Superintendent of Public Instruction Megan Degenfelder launched a state program that she said is aimed at advancing civic education and celebrating schools that foster “community, country and character.”

At a press conference Thursday, Degenfelder launched the “Wyoming Patriot Schools Program” to recognize schools that are educating children about “both the responsibilities and the blessings of American citizenship.”

“Civic education should be one of the few things that can still bring us together and patriotism shouldn’t be political,” Degenfelder said at the press conference.

In a press release, she said that “civic education should not leave students cynical about our country. Rather, students should be provided the opportunity to learn our shared values, founding principles and feel proud to be American.”

Degenfelder is one of three Republican candidates running for governor.

At the press conference, Degenfelder said that when she ran for the state’s highest education office in 2022, one of her priorities was bringing more patriotism and civic education
into the classroom.

In the years since, Degenfelder has launched the “Purple Star Schools” program to honor military families and students, alongside a civics education portal to provide educators with resources and the department’s partnership with the Museum of Military Vehicles in Dubois.

The Patriot Schools Program was developed in collaboration with the Wyoming Department of Education’s “Citizenship Stakeholder Cabinet,” made up of 10 members, including Karen Kemmerer, who is married to Jay Kemmerer, a co-owner of Jackson Hole Mountain Resort. The Patriot Schools Program will also contribute to Wyoming’s “250 Task Force,” the group planning the celebration of the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence.

Schools can now apply to the Department of Education to receive “Patriot School” designation based on four categories: civic education; observance of “patriotic traditions and symbols;” student participation in civic and veteran community efforts; and resources for educators to teach civics effectively.

Activities that could qualify include elementary school students creating a Constitution and Bill of Rights or planning activities on holidays like Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day or Presidents Day. Teachers could also hold a citizenship test similar to a naturalization exam, or assign research projects on historical events, sites or landmarks in communities. Schools can begin each day with the Pledge of Allegiance or assist with proper flag ceremonies.

Each year, schools will be awarded the title on Veterans Day, Nov. 11.

While her organization hasn’t done a deep dive into the program, Wyoming Education Association President Kim Amen said Friday that the association does support quality civic education and teachers educating students “honestly” about U.S. history.

“We also believe that it’s important that our students learn about both the rights and responsibilities of being a United States citizen and our foundations of our democracy,” she said.

Degenfelder said Pinedale Middle School is already undertaking initiatives in line with the Patriot Schools Program. At the press conference, Principal Justin Woltz said his school has implemented “Local Legends” assemblies meant to recognize and celebrate veterans and public servants who live in Sublette County.

The public servants talk to students about their careers in the military, law enforcement and public service, providing a space for them to feel “valued and heard.”