Lincoln High School
Tim Swinehart
Lincoln Constitution Team Application 2013-2014
Please download the following application form to complete:
This form must be completed and submitted via email to: 2014applications@gmail.com
Please cut and paste your finished application into the body of the email. Please do not send as an attachment. Please read the application carefully and answer all questions as directed.
Application must be received by 3:30pm Monday, March 11th, 2013.
Please direct all technical questions regarding the online application process to jctrombley@gmail.com
_________________________________________________________________________________2013-14 Lincoln High School Constitution Class and Team
Information for Students and Parents
Optional Informational Meeting – March 1st or March 4th at lunch in room 169.
Forms Due: 3:30 pm, Monday, March 11th by e-mail to 2014applications@gmail.com
What is the LHS Constitution Class? The Lincoln High School Constitution Class is now accepting applications for next year’s class. For over 20 years, Lincoln has been turning out constitutional scholars and civic leaders through this incredible program. Not only is Constitution Class one of the most challenging academic experiences most students will have in high school, but it often leads to lifelong friendships, interest in civic issues, and future career awareness. Students learn in-depth about the U.S. Constitution and apply this knowledge to historical and contemporary questions and issues. Members of the class participate in a constitutional competition with other schools. Lincoln has sent a Constitution Team to the national competition in Washington, DC, 17 times in its 26-year history (placing 4th in the nation in 2010 and winning the national title in 2012) and is one of four schools nationally that has won the national championship four times.
Who are the teachers and volunteers?
● Tim Swinehart – Social Studies Teacher at Lincoln High School
● Alison Brody – Lincoln Graduate & Constitution Class Alumna, Attorney
● Jeff Edmundson – Former Lincoln Teacher, Faculty at University of Oregon
● Stephen Griffith – Lincoln Parent, Attorney at Stoel Rives LLP
● Jennifer Hill – Lincoln Graduate & Constitution Class Alumna
● Ben O’Glasser – Lincoln Graduate & Constitution Class Alum, Attorney
● Jonathan Pulvers – Lincoln Graduate & Constitution Class Alum
● Darin Sands - Attorney at Lane Powell
● Christy Splitt – Constitution Team Alumna, External Affairs Director at Oregon League of Conservation Voters
● Jason Trombley – Lincoln Graduate & Constitution Class Alum, Public Relations Professional
● Rachel Weisshaar - Attorney at the Oregon Court of Appeals
What is involved? This spring, students will meet on Tuesday nights from April 2 - May 28, 2013. In the fall, the class meets during 1st period, and also meets on Tuesday nights from 6 pm to 9 pm. Students will also be expected to meet on weekends beginning in early fall through early winter to prepare for January’s competitions. Participation with the team is academically rigorous, provocative, competitive, and requires a great deal of group interaction and communication. While students may participate in extracurricular activities, it should be understood that Constitution Class requires a strong commitment in time and energy. Students should plan to give top priority to the Constitution Team for the year that they participate. Further, all students are expected to maintain a “C” or better in all of their other Lincoln classes.
Students participate in a District competition in January and, if they are successful, a state competition later in January and a national competition in Washington, D.C. in April.
Students have the option to receive either Civics credit or a .5 social studies elective credit for Constitution Class. An additional .5 may be available for second semester work.
Who can participate? All interested students who will be sophomores, juniors or seniors next year should complete the application form. Because the class is limited to 36, the teachers will select the class based on applications, interviews, and evidence of commitment to the team. All completed application forms will be submitted electronically to 2014applications@gmail.com NO LATER than 3:30 pm on Monday, March 11th, 2013. Brief interviews will take place after school on March 18-22, 2013.
Want more information? Questions may be directed to Tim Swinehart before school in room 141 or at tswineha@pps.net.
