The Constitution of Laurel Tree Learning Center
Preamble
We the students of LaurelTree LearningCenter, in order to form a more perfect community, secure a better education for ourselves and our classmates, provide justice and freedom for all, and promote student choice and responsibility, do ordain and establish this Constitution for Laurel Tree Learning Center.
It is our belief that everyone, regardless or race, religion, sexual orientation and personal opinions should be treated with equality. Discrimination and disrespect of others and their property will not be tolerated within our school.
Article 1 – The Legislative Article
Any student or teacher at the school has the right to present a bill as well as vote. Tribal leaders are available to help draft bills for members of their tribe. A bill can be introduced up to three times. Two-thirds of the legislature’s vote is needed to pass any bill. A majority of students must be present before any voting can take place. The President may veto bills passed by the legislature, but the veto can be overturned by a three-fourths majority. The Legislature can pass no law that violates existing federal, state, or local laws. Legislative meetings will be held as needed.
Article 2 – The Executive Article
The teachers have been chosen to serve as all-time Presidents. Cabinet members can be elected as needed. Cabinet members are elected b popular vote and can serve for one semester. They can be elected to that same office again after a period of one semester out of office. A cabinet member can be removed if the President receives two valid, written complaints and the legislature then votes by two-thirds to remove that person. Then there will be a special election for a replacement of that position.
Article 3 – the Judicial Article
We will use mediation as the primary way of resolving differences. Mediation training will be provided for the fifth through twelfth grade students. Students may choose any other student to mediate a problem for them. Mediation is voluntary and confidential. Teachers can be used for advice and as mediators if needed. As a result, if mediation fails, teachers will make a final judgment.
Article 4 – The Amendment Article
This Constitution can be changed or added to by a two-third vote of the Legislative Branch.
Article 5 – The Ratification Article
This Constitution was officially ratified on Monday the 29th of January 2001, by the founding people of Laurel Tree Learning Center.
Bill of Rights
Amendment 1 – Students have the right to express themselves freely. They can disagree with the government and their teacher. However, they are expected to do so honestly, fairly, and without trying to hurt another person. They may not take away another person’s right to a safe learning environment by saying or writing hurtful things.
Amendment 2 – No one’s person or property can be searched unless teachers have reason to believe that the student is a danger to himself or others. It is the student’s right to ask for their parents to be notified. However, if something dangerous or illegal is found, it is mandatory that the parent be called. If the child refuses to be searched, parents or guardians will be notified. All searches are confidential.
Amendment 3 – Students have a right to mediate their differences.
Amendment 4 – People who have done something wrong cannot be treated in mean ways. Consequences for wrong doing must be fair and about making restitution instead of just punishment.
Amendment 5 – Even though some rights that people have are not talked about in the Constitution, they still have these rights and should be treated fairly.
Amendment 6 – Powers not talked about in the Constitution are given to the students and teachers.
Laurel Tree’s Constitution was originally adapted from the United States Constitution in 2001 as part of a unit on US History. Every year we revise our Constitution and our student handbook during the back-to-school camping trip. Students form committees on different topics, write their group’s bills, and present them around the campfire for debate and a vote. Anything in the handbook or Constitution has to be approved by two-thirds of the legislature and can be amended by the same at any time. It also has to be constitutional and pass the Executive Branch. The legislature is the student body of Laurel Tree. The Executive Branch is the staff. Both the Constitution and handbook are works-in-progress, to be changed and added to as our group changes and new needs arise.
