We are so proud of our 31 Third Grade Heroes for their wonderful behavior on our field trip to Lansing's Capitol Building yesterday! Our day began with arriving at the Capitol. Our tour guide introduced himself (he knew Mr. Robertson when he was young!) and Senator Whitmer was so kind to welcome us.
The Heroes learned about the history of the Capitol building. They were surprised to learn that much of the Capitol was handpainted, including the wood and cast iron columns. After learning a bit about the history of the Capitol, we climbed the stairs to the first floor. Our students were so good at walking safely up the right side of the stairwell with their hands on the railings. They must have thought their teachers were a broken record! The students stepped, without hesitation, onto the floor made of 976 pieces of glass.
Students and teachers alike gazed with wonder at the gorgeous hand painted rotunda 160 feet above.
After spending some time on the glass floor looking up at the amazing ceiling, we had the opportunity to look at the Governor's Office. Students waited patiently for their turn and did a wonderful job of making sure everyone got to see. So proud of our bucketfillers!
After touring a bit more on the first floor we climbed another set of stairs to the second floor. The second floor has portraits of former Michigan governors lining the walls. Students enjoyed looking down on the glass floor and up at the starry ceiling.
We walked up yet another flight of stairs to the third floor of the Capitol. All the students got to see where the House of Representatives meet. The House was not meeting during this time and students were able to ask some great questions about what they saw. Some students were amused to see candy containers on the desks of some of the representatives. Many students noticed the breathtaking glass ceiling.
Next we went to see where the Michigan Senators meet to make laws. Senate was in session at this time and the Heroes did an excellent job of being safe and respectful. Senator Whitmer introduced her daughter and all of our Donley Heroes to the Senate. They were asked to stand a receive recognition from the Senate. Our students faces shined as they smiled and waved to the Senate. What a great moment!
After spending some time watching the law making in action (including watching the Senators vote!) we were welcomed into Senator Whitmer's office for a snack. They were so great to our third graders and offered everyone a banana. As students ate snack, rested their legs, and took many bathroom breaks students toured the office. Senator Whitmer welcomed the students to her office and took time to answer all of their questions about the Capitol and our state government. We are all so thankful to Senator Whitmer and her staff for providing us a place to rest, relax and refuel.
It was time to go to the Hall of Justice for our scheduled tour. What a great time to get some exercise! Mr. Robertson asked the students to skip, hop, jump, slide, grape vine, jog and run.
Next we went to see where the Michigan Senators meet to make laws. Senate was in session at this time and the Heroes did an excellent job of being safe and respectful. Senator Whitmer introduced her daughter and all of our Donley Heroes to the Senate. They were asked to stand a receive recognition from the Senate. Our students faces shined as they smiled and waved to the Senate. What a great moment!
After spending some time watching the law making in action (including watching the Senators vote!) we were welcomed into Senator Whitmer's office for a snack. They were so great to our third graders and offered everyone a banana. As students ate snack, rested their legs, and took many bathroom breaks students toured the office. Senator Whitmer welcomed the students to her office and took time to answer all of their questions about the Capitol and our state government. We are all so thankful to Senator Whitmer and her staff for providing us a place to rest, relax and refuel.
It was time to go to the Hall of Justice for our scheduled tour. What a great time to get some exercise! Mr. Robertson asked the students to skip, hop, jump, slide, grape vine, jog and run.
When we got to the Hall of Justice we met our two docents who welcomed us. First we reviewed the three branches of government: the executive, legislative and judicial branches.
Then we learned the three different courts in the judicial branch.
Next the students learned about the different members in a court room including: the judge, the prosecuting attorney, the defense attorney, the witnesses, the jury, and the public.
Students ended their tour learning about our rights to freedom of speech and freedom of press. They came up with slogans for petition signs and were fantastic listeners. After we left the Hall of Justice we walked back towards the Capitol building. Senator Whitmer and her staff provided pizza, carrots and juice for the heroes. We finished a fantastic field trip with a wonderful lunch and a representative simulation. The students had a wonderful time and repeatedly thanked Senator Whitmer and her staff for the pizza, cleaning up after them, and giving their time.
We had a long day of touring and learning filled with fun and respect. We received so many compliments on the heroes manners, respect and safety. They truly showed their Donley Pride! As we headed back to Donley students discussed their favorite part and what they learned. What an amazing field trip it was, for teachers and students alike!
We had a long day of touring and learning filled with fun and respect. We received so many compliments on the heroes manners, respect and safety. They truly showed their Donley Pride! As we headed back to Donley students discussed their favorite part and what they learned. What an amazing field trip it was, for teachers and students alike!