U.S. Department of Education Senior Advisor for Civic Education Katie Gorka visited Westside Elementary School in West Fargo, North Dakota, on April 16 as part of the Department’s national History Rocks! Trail to Independence Tour. The event was held in anticipation of America’s upcoming 250th birthday and aimed to help students connect with the nation’s founding principles.
The visit focused on strengthening civic literacy among third through fifth grade students. Two hundred ten students participated in interactive games designed to deepen their understanding of American history and civics, while also highlighting North Dakota's role in the nation's story. The program began with remarks from Principal Christopher Kalsow and Assistant Principal Jessica Brown, followed by Gorka's address.
Gorka said, “From the growing city of Fargo to communities across North Dakota, this is a place where strong values and a real sense of community still define everyday life. That spirit is a powerful example of what makes our country work. Through History Rocks!, students can connect those local values to the broader American story and better understand the role they can play in shaping its future.”
The History Rocks! initiative is part of the Department’s celebrations for America's Semiquincentennial anniversary. The program involves Secretary McMahon, other administration officials, and education leaders visiting schools across all 50 states to highlight high-quality history and civics instruction that brings American principles into classrooms.
Freedom 250 leads presidential programming for America’s 250th anniversary celebration with a mission focused on honoring history and building opportunities for future generations. The America 250 Civics Education Coalition supports these efforts through partnerships with organizations such as the America First Policy Institute, Turning Point USA, Hillsdale College, and more than fifty other groups dedicated to advancing civic education nationwide.
