Huntington Celebrates Civic Learning Week

Schools in the United States have been celebrating Civic Learning Week, an annual event dedicated to strengthening civic education and engagement across the country. Huntington UFSD joins in the celebration.

“Civic Learning Week provides an opportunity for students, educators, and communities to explore the role of civic education in sustaining our democracy” stated Dr. Santosha Oliver, assistant commissioner of the New York State Education Department in a letter to district superintendents this week. “This year’s theme, ‘Civic Learning: Many Voices, One Nation,’ highlights the importance of diverse perspectives in civic engagement. Civic education is fundamental to preparing our students to be engaged and informed citizens in America’s democracy.”

Huntington High School is among the 500-plus schools in the state to offer students New York’s Seal of Civic Readiness. “It is a formal recognition for high school graduates who demonstrate a deep understanding of civics, civic engagement and active participation in their communities,” Dr. Oliver said.”

To date, more than 48,000 students statewide “have engaged in meaningful civic learning experiences that empower them to contribute positively to their communities,” according to SED. “Through hands-on projects, community involvement, and classroom learning, these students are developing the skills and knowledge necessary for active citizenship.”

The Seal of Civic Readiness is a special designation placed on high school diplomas and transcripts for graduating seniors who qualify for the recognition. Huntington High School seniors are invited to work toward earning this special distinction.

Huntington High School students interested in pursuing the Seal of Civic Readiness should reach out to department chairman Joseph Leavy at his high school office or by sending him a message at jleavy@hufsd.edu. Seven faculty members are working with students pursuing the seal.

To qualify for the seal, a student must complete all diploma requirements along with earning a total of six points with at least two of the points in civic knowledge and two points in civic preparation. Students may also earn points by completing a middle school or high school Capstone project.

More information can be found at this link: https://www.nysed.gov/curriculum-instruction/seal-civic-readiness

Huntington students can review potential points with their assigned faculty advisor. They can then identify a goal to complete a civic or service learning project, extracurricular program, work-based experienced or Capstone project.

Students should plan to meet with their faculty advisor once or twice. They should also meet with Mr. Leavy, the department chairman for a review of their record sheet and to confirm the points they have registered. Students can work on their civic experiences through April.

By May or June they should have completed all of the requirements for the seal. “This is a golden opportunity for students to improve their civic mindset,” Mr. Leavy said.

For more information, send a message to Mr. Leavy at jleavy@hufsd.edu.

“It’s important to note that Huntington UFSD was one of the first schools to initiate the program and it has grown from 19 students in 2023 to 50 students in June 2024,” said Mr. Leavy, who expects it to grow again by 50 percent or more in 2025. “Students who accomplish the seal and in doing so also achieve the capstone designation become leaders of leaders.”