[Thomas Jefferson.] - Public domain portrait engraving

Thomas Jefferson, a spokesman for democracy, was an American Founding Father, the principal author of the Declaration of Independence (1776), and the third President of the United States (1801–1809).

In the Pre-Kindergarten and Kindergarten, students learn to understand the foundations of the social studies strands; history, geography, civics, citizenship, and economics. Students begin their introduction to the United States through the study of American symbols and holidays. Citizenship Literacy: Students recognize the importance of rules and responsibilities as a member of the family, class, and school. Students Identify the United States Flag as a symbol of the country including the learning of The Pledge of Allegiance and practicing appropriate flag etiquette.

Students summarize the five key individual rights and liberties protected by the First Amendment to the United States Constitution. Students identify the basic roles of national leaders including the President of the United States and the members of the United States Congress. Students identify important American symbols and explain their meanings including United States Flag, the Bald Eagle, the Statue of Liberty, Lady Justice, and the Liberty Bell. Students participate in patriotic traditions including the recitation of The Pledge of Allegiance and singing of The Star Spangled Banner, and demonstrate proper flag etiquette and appropriate behavior during both. Students describe relationships between people and events of the past which are commemorated on Columbus Day, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving Day, Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, Washington’s Birthday, Lincoln’s Birthday, Flag Day, and Independence Day.