Inauguration is a school event

Teachers in Utah and across the nation are using the historic inauguration of Barack Obama as a learning tool.

Schools nationwide are marking the day on campus with live broadcasts, assemblies, in-class assignments and their own inaugural balls. Some are even sending groups of students to Washington, D.C.

"It's a terrific opportunity for schools to share in the excitement that the rest of the country is feeling," said Nina Senatore, assistant professor of education at Simmons College in Boston.

Students at Salt Lake School District's Indian Hills Elementary School have been working since December to earn an ice cream sundae party during which they will watch the inauguration.

The kids had to read three books, donate three canned food items for the needy and do an hour of community service.

Many of the students shoveled walks for the elderly and worked at the food bank, said Sarah Buck, Indian Hills assistant librarian.

"The kids went out and did great things for people in the local community," Buck said. "We tapped into the service part that the future president of our nation feels is so important."

The students also must be doing well academically to qualify. The project was the brainchild of Indian Hills librarian Julie Bentley.

Middle schoolers at Salt Lake City's Rowland Hall will watch the inauguration to help them understand the results of months of campaigning and the privilege of voting in a democracy, said Principal Stephen Benhoff, a former American history teacher. Students will gather in the school's commons area for a lesson on the history of inaugurations and why this one is historic.

Schools throughout the nation are planning similar events.

At Mesquite Elementary School, Casa Grande, Ariz., 300 third-, fourth- and fifth-graders will assemble to hear portions of inauguration speeches from the likes (their classmates in dress) of Abraham Lincoln, George Washington and John F. Kennedy.

"I really want them to know that our president has a vision, a plan in place to lead this country," said principal David Owen, adding he'll time the assembly to when he can get a copy of Obama's speech. "I want there to be a connection with the past and the future."