Seventh-graders at Bristol Consolidated School had a special guest in their social studies class Nov. 4. State Sen. Chris Johnson, D-Somerville, visited the class to talk about the U.S. Constitution and the branches of government for Liberty Day, an event sponsored by the Bristol Area Lions Club.
The event, now in its fourth year, informs students about their government and how it operates, said David Kolodin. Kolodin serves as the third vice president for the Bristol Area Lions Club and currently serves as chairman of the Bristol School Committee.
Johnson and Kolodin taught the class how a bill becomes a law, pretending to be two legislators trying to pass a law requiring the school to serve ice cream. The students also learned about the veto process and how the three branches of government interact with one another.
Johnson encouraged the class to get involved with their government and to contact their representative or senator.
“You can always reach out to the people who are representing you,” Johnson said. “We’re here to serve you.”
The Bristol Area Lions Club also gave each student a booklet which included the U.S. Constitution, the 27 amendments, and the Declaration of Independence. Johnson will also provide legislative guides for the class and invited the students to come visit the capitol when the Legislature is in session.