HomeMy WebLinkAboutIR 24-1787 INFORMAL REPORT TO CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS No. 24-1787
To the Mayor and Members of the City Council
January 9, 2024
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* rrn SUBJECT: CIVIC EDUCATION OPPORTUNITIES OFFERED TO SCHOOLS
The purpose of this Informal Report is to present details about the civic education opportunities available
to schools in Fort Worth, with a particular focus on attending City Council meetings.
Working with our school districts
Staff has and will be reaching out to various school districts to encourage them to bring students to our
day City Council meetings. Lawrence Thompson, Education Strategies Manager, has and will reach out to
the superintendents to gain their support for the activity and encourage participation by their staff. Once a
school accepts, the Councilmember for that District will be notified.
The first two school visits are scheduled to be from Eagle-Mountain Saginaw ISD and Fort Worth ISD.
They will be attending the February 27, 2024 meeting.
Prior to the visit, a Community Engagement Liaison will coordinate a presentation with the teacher, to
provide an overview of what will take place at the meeting. The Liaison will also coordinate the visit with
staff, elected officials and the school administration. Transportation to and from City Hall will be the
responsibility of the school.
A sample visit could include:
9:30 a.m.
Students arrive and are greeted by the Community Engagement Liaison for
that district.
• Staff will provide a short welcome and overview of what takes place at the
meeting.
• If the agenda allows, the Councilmembers for the visiting schools will have
the opportunity to welcome the students.
9:50 a.m. • Students will be escorted to the Council Chamber.
• Seats will be reserved for each class.
• Information will be shared with Mayor and Council so that they can recognize
the visiting students.
10:45— 11 a.m. • Students will be escorted out of the Council Chamber.
• Staff will have a short Q & A with the students —to answer any questions
they might have about the meeting.
• Students will receive a snack and Molly pin.
11:30 a.m. • Students will return to school.
Although this is the planned agenda for the visit, each visit can be tailored to fit the needs of each class.
Staff will try to coordinate visits for similar age groups, but all requests are welcome.
ISSUED BY THE CITY MANAGER FORT WORTH, TEXAS
INFORMAL REPORT TO CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS No. 24-1787
To the Mayor and Members of the City Council
January 9, 2024
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* rrn SUBJECT: CIVIC EDUCATION OPPORTUNITIES OFFERED TO SCHOOLS
Current Programming
The Community Engagement Division of the Communications & Public Engagement Department currently
offers educational programs to local schools. These are offered free of charge and include a short
presentation and activity for the students. Several of these programs deal with government and civic
engagement.
These include:
My Government & Me— Students learn the purpose of community rules and the authority figures who
enforce them. Students learn the functions of government and how our leaders are chosen. Everyone
sees why and how to practice good citizenship. Includes an interactive problem-solving activity.
Middle and High School
Civics 101 — From Washington D.C. to Austin to Fort Worth, students learn that good government can't
work without their involvement! This overview of their rights and duties helps them see where they fit in.
City Hall 101 — How are city laws made? Which city department handles potholes, stray dogs or building
permits? Student learn how city government is structured, who represents their interests and how their
concerns can be heard.
If you have a particular school that you would like us to contact or have questions about this informal
report, please contact Lawrence Thompson, Education Strategies Manager at
Lawrence.thompson(a�fortworthtexas.gov and Michelle Gutt, Communications & Public Engagement
Director at Michel le.gutt(a)fortworthtexas.gov.
David Cooke
City Manager
ISSUED BY THE CITY MANAGER FORT WORTH, TEXAS