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This update includes reminders for K-12 Social Studies and information from the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction (NCDPI). We encourage everyone who receives this update to share it with others who may not be subscribed to our listserv. If you would like to receive Social Studies Updates, please sign up using the following link: https://public.govdelivery.com/accounts/NCSBE/subscriber/new?qsp=CODE_RED
Update includes:
AMERICA 250 OPPORTUNITIES
- Youth 250 NC: Your Voice. Your Future. Your NC.
- The America 250 NC Virtual Book Club
- Capitol 250: NC Freedom Fest
- Courts 4 Civics: Student Poster Contest
- Fourth Circuit 2026 Civics Contest
- One State, One Score: An Invitation for NC Classrooms
America 250 Upcoming Opportunities
 America 250 NC is North Carolina’s statewide commemoration of the 250th anniversary of the United States, leading up to July 4, 2026. This multi-year initiative managed by DNCR invites all North Carolinians, including educators and students, to explore our nation’s history, celebrate its diverse stories, and imagine the future together. Check out NCDNCR EVENTS page to discover exciting programs and adventures all over the state throughout 2026.
Join us for Youth 250 NC: Your Voice. Your Future. Your NC.
Friday, June 26 (9 am – 6 pm) | Downtown Raleigh, NC
The North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources and NC Child invite high school–age youth to downtown Raleigh for an inspiring day of civic engagement, leadership, and hands-on learning as part of the state’s America 250 NC commemoration. Youth 250 NC participants will explore the ideals of our democracy, engage with history, and discuss what it means to be an American today. This FREE program empowers young people to participate actively in civic life during the America 250th anniversary and to lead their generation forward.
Participants will:
- Connect with peers and leaders from across the state through interactive sessions and activities
- Explore some of Raleigh’s sites at the heart of state government (including the State Capitol, the State Archives, and NC Freedom Park)
- Gain leadership tools to take action and shape the future of their communities
- Meet new friends and have fun!
Highlights include:
- Dynamic speakers and youth voices
- Engaging workshops on civic leadership and advocacy
- Hands-on activities with the State Archives, a debate on the floor of the State Capitol, and a workshop on civic engagement
- Music, art, food, and a closing celebration
- Don’t miss this chance to learn, lead, and make history!
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The America 250 NC Virtual Book Club
April 29th, 2026 | 6:00 p.m.
The America 250 NC Virtual Book Club is a free and public book discussion forum open to all. The club meets online every other month for a chat on a North Carolina-based historical fiction read.
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Capitol 250: NC Freedom Fest
July 4th, 2026 | 6:00 p.m.
Planning is underway for the Capitol 250: North Carolina Freedom Fest! DNCR sites from across the state will present a sampling of North Carolina’s unique arts, history, culture, and nature. There will be music, food, special exhibits, living history, and more! We hope you will be a part of this event with us.
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Courts 4 Civics: Student Poster Contest
In 2026, our country commemorates 250 years since the signing of the Declaration of Independence—a document which declared that “all men are created equal” and endowed with the “unalienable rights” to “Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness.”
These words sparked a revolution and created a nation grounded in the rule of law. Today, the judiciary works to protect the rights outlined in the Declaration and to ensure that its foundational principles continue to guide our nation.
Your Truths: Create an original graphic poster and a written description that conveys what the Declaration’s founding principles and the rule of law mean to you.
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Fourth Circuit 2026 Civics Contest
The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit is pleased to announce that the 2026 civics contest is now open to all students currently in grades 9 through 12 from Maryland, North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia, and West Virginia.
Students are invited to create an original graphic poster with a written description sharing their perspective on the theme: What do the Declaration’s founding principles and the rule of law mean to you?
Students have the opportunity to win one of three cash prizes: first place, $1,000; second place, $750; and third place, $500.
Deadline: Entry form and graphic poster must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. on Monday, June 1, 2026.
Winners will be announced in August, and a Constitution Day Program will be held in September. Winning and other selected entries will be displayed on the Courts4Civics website and in the Lewis F. Powell, Jr. courthouse or other courthouse.
For additional information, questions to consider, and instructions on how to submit your graphic poster and written statement, visit www.ca4.uscourts.gov/civics-contest.
For questions, contact the Fourth Circuit Clerk’s Office at civics@ca4.uscourts.gov or (804) 916-2715.
Please note: Prior winners of any Fourth Circuit-sponsored contest as well as children, grandchildren, stepchildren, and members of the household of a federal judge or federal judiciary employee may not participate in the competition.
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One State, One Score: An Invitation for
NC Classrooms
As our nation approaches its 250th anniversary, the North Carolina Symphony invites teachers and students across the state to take part in One State, One Score: “America the Beautiful,” a collaborative arts project celebrating the ingenuity, hope, and resilience that define the American spirit. Participants can choose from a variety of music scores for multiple instruments and skill levels—or explore vocal lines, movement, visual art, or poetry—then learn their part, record a video, and submit their work to be included in a special statewide performance. All art forms are welcome, and teachers may submit group recordings of their classes. Inspired by the Symphony’s powerful 2021 “Ode to Joy” project, this new collaboration aims to bring North Carolinians of all ages together in a shared virtual arts experience. Submissions are open through April 30, with a commemorative video premiering July 4 as part of North Carolina’s America 250 celebrations.
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Connect with K-12 Social Studies on
Instagram and Facebook!
We’re excited to announce that the NCDPI K–12 Social Studies team now has NEW social media channels! Follow us for the latest updates, professional learning opportunities, classroom resources, and stories highlighting the incredible work of educators and students across North Carolina.
Follow Us Here:
Plus, stay connected with our Character Education initiatives:
Disclaimer Statement
Because North Carolina is a local-control state, all curricular decisions are approved at the local level. Prior to implementing any of the materials, teachers should follow appropriate policies and procedures to have content vetted and approved by their school and district leaders.
The links on this resource could bring you to third-party websites, owned and operated by independent parties over which NCDPI has no control. Any link you make to or from these 3rd Party Websites will be at your own risk. Any use of these 3rd Party Websites and any information you provide will be subject to and governed by the terms of the 3rd Party Website, including those relating to confidentiality, data privacy, and security.
Unless otherwise expressly agreed in writing, NCDPI is not in any way associated with the owner or operator of any of the 3rd Party Websites or responsible or liable for the goods and services offered by them or for anything in connection with such 3rd Party Websites. NCDPI does not endorse and makes no warranties, representations, or undertakings relating to the content of any 3rd Party Website.
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