Need an expert on the U.S. Constitution? Look no further than the fifth-graders at West Friendship Elementary School.

The students impressed the judges, or simulated congressional committee members, and their teachers with their knowledge of various topics related to the Constitution, Bill of Rights and contemporary issues at the school's fourth annual Simulated Congressional Hearing on May 22.

Each fifth-grade "expert" was assigned a group and topic that they would present to three judges (who included state Sen. Allen Kittleman, Del. Gail Bates and county school board members Sandra French and Patricia Gordon), who in turn asked the experts questions and gave feedback on their presentations.

Mikayla Johnson, a student in Beth Cayer's class, explained how she geared up for the presentation for her topic: "What are the responsibilities of citizens?"

They had been preparing for the event "almost the entire year. Half the time we didn't even know it," she said, adding that the units studied in their social studies classes helped them get ready.

Though she admitted she and her classmates were nervous, she was certain the event would be a success.

"I think it's going to be a really fun time," she added before her group's hearing.

The event is the culmination of the year's social studies classes in the county. The idea for the simulated hearings came from the "We the People: The Citizen and the Constitution" program, administered by the Center for Civic Education. The county has been participating in the optional program for seven years, with about 29 of the county's elementary schools participating, according to Sally Lawrence, fifth-grade teacher and coordinator for the event.

Lawrence said she couldn't have been prouder of her students.

"They all worked so hard. They were absolutely beaming. They just did an amazing job," she said.

Schools around the county will be conducting their hearings until June 6, according to a press release from the Howard County Public School System.

> Reservoir High School is holding a yard sale June 21, 7:30 a.m.-3 p.m. Spaces still available.

For more information, e-mail RHSyardsale@comcast.net or call 301-802-7830.

The school is at 1550 Scaggsville Road, Fulton.

> The River Hill High School Theatre Arts Department is pleased to announce a special summer alumni production of Tennessee Williams' "The Glass Menagerie."

The performance dates are June 26-28 at 7:30 p.m. Performances take place in the River Hill High School auditorium. Tickets are $10.

Proceeds from the production will go to establish The River Hill Fine Arts Scholarship Fund. Advance sale of tickets begins on Sun., June 1 in the River Hill front office, Monday through Friday, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

Tickets will also be sold at the door on performance nights. The box office will open 90 minutes prior to curtain.

For reservations or more information about tickets, contact Jeanne Woodhouse at 410-428-7971.

Call 410-313-7120 and ask for Nancy Duffy or Carla Styczynski for assistance.

The school is at 12101 Route 108, Clarksville.

> Hammond High School Boosters are sponsoring a commemorative brick sale.

Personalized bricks will be installed into a new brick patio in front of the school. Hammond alumni, students and staff are encouraged to participate. Orders will be accepted through Mon., June 2. Order forms can be accessed at www.hammondhs.org/HHSBoosters.htm.

> Glenelg High School student Dan Atlas is asking that the families of graduates from all Howard County high schools honor their graduates by contributing one can (no glass) of food to support the Maryland Food Bank.

A collection bin will be located at the entrance to Merriweather Post Pavilion for each commencement ceremony. The Maryland Food Bank, located in Howard County, is in desperate need of canned foods to replenish their shelves.

E-mail Dan at datlas@activtrax.com.

Send school related items to School Days, Flier/Times, 10750 Little Patuxent Pkwy., Columbia, MD 21044. Fax items to 410-997-4564 or e-mail mroshan@patuxent.com.

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