PRESS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 6, 2012
For more information, contact the Office of the Clerk of Court
(307) 777-7316
Chief Justice Marilyn S. Kite announced today that the Wyoming Supreme Court will launch a project called iCivics on February 16 – 17, 2012. iCivics is a national program promoted by retired U.S. Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O’Connor, who realized that securing our democracy requires teaching the next generation to understand and respect our system of governance. iCivics is a web-based education project designed to reach middle school students and inspire them to be active participants in our democracy. iCivics uses interactive video gaming to help students learn about all three branches of government and has proven to be a powerful teaching tool.
“We share Justice O’Connor’s concern that our citizens are not sufficiently informed about our system of government and believe by assuring that our students and teachers have better tools, we can hopefully have more knowledgeable civic participation,” Kite explained. On February 16th and 17th, the Wyoming Supreme Court will partner with the Legislative and Executive Branches of Wyoming’s government to provide a professional development workshop for Wyoming educators. On February 16th, the conference will be held at the Wyoming Supreme Court, and on February 17th it will be held in the Capitol.
“We are very excited and honored that Justice O’Connor will personally join our conference by video appearance,” said Kite. “The participants in our workshop will have a once in a lifetime opportunity to ask questions and exchange ideas with Justice O’Connor. We could not be more pleased to offer this unique opportunity.”
During the two day conference, the participants will also observe arguments in the Wyoming Supreme Court, participate in legislative committee hearings, and enjoy an up front and personal look at Wyoming’s government at work.
For more information about this conference, you can go to the Wyoming Supreme Court home page at www.courts.state.wy.us. There will you will find a more detailed agenda and conference materials.
If you would like additional information about iCivics or the upcoming conference, please contact:
Diane Bauersfeld
Public Services Law Librarian
307-777-8564
