AMS 8 Students visit the Courthouse

Last week 8th grade students traveled to the Allegheny County Courthouse for a field trip.  In their Civics classes, students had previously been introduced to the criminal and civil court systems prior to their visit.  Upon their arrival at the courthouse, students were greeted by the Administrative Judge of Allegheny County, the Honorable Judge David Cashman.  Judge Cashman talked to students about his role in the judicial branch and warned them about the consequences of drug and alcohol related crimes.  Next, students visited real criminal court rooms to observe trials in action.

Reminder! Courthouse Field Trip Expectations

Students will be attending a courthouse field trip on March 21-23. The following are the expectations for students while being at the courthouse:  

• Dress appropriately - proper attire might include khakis and a nice shirt.  Some judges will not permit visitors to their courtroom if they are wearing jeans, shorts, and flip-flops, 
• No gum
  
• No talking inside of the courtroom
• No cameras
• No cell phones, iPods, or tablets
• Be prepared for metal detectors. The courthouse requires that students pass through metal detectors.  Students will be asked to remove everything from their pockets, their jewelry, and belts while passing through the metal detectors.
• For lunch, students should pack a lunch to be eaten at school.

Courthouse Field Trip

A few weeks ago 8th grade students traveled to the Allegheny County Courthouse for a field trip.  In their Civics classes, students were introduced to the criminal and civil court systems prior to their visit.  Upon their arrival at the courthouse, students were greeted by a Deputy Attorney General of Allegheny County, David Spurgeon.  Mr. Spurgeon talked to students about his role in the judicial branch and warned them about the consequences of drug and alcohol related crimes.  Next, students visited real criminal court rooms to observe trials in action.  Some judges even invited the students to speak with them in their chambers about their job. A few lucky students even got to try on Judge Beth Lazarra's official judicial robe and pound the gavel to restore order in the courtroom! 

Reminder! Courthouse Field Trip Expectations

Students will be attending a courthouse field trip on March 10, 16 or 17. The following are the expectations for students while being at the courthouse:  

• Dress appropriately - proper attire might include khakis and a nice shirt.  Some judges will not permit visitors to their courtroom if they are wearing jeans, shorts, and flip-flops, 
• No gum
  
• No talking inside of the courtroom
• No cameras
• No cell phones, iPods, or tablets
• Be prepared for metal detectorsThe courthouse requires that students pass through metal detectors.  Students will be asked to remove everything from their pockets, their jewelry, and belts while passing through the metal detectors.
• For lunch, students should pack a lunch to be eaten at school.

Spring Field Trip Forms Due

The 8^th grade team has several field trips planned for the spring. Click below to download the forms and letters.

Print, complete and return the permission slip & payment.