San Mateo County Superior Court Expands Community Outreach Through Statewide Civic Learning Challenge

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Media Contact: Bianca Fasuescu
Phone: 650 261-5016
Email: communityoutreach@sanmateocourt.org

Court Invites Local Educators to Partner with Judges for Constitution Month Classroom Visits as Part of America's 250th Anniversary Celebration

Redwood City, CA - The San Mateo County Superior Court is inviting educators throughout the county to partner with judges and justice partners, including local attorneys and law enforcement leaders, to bring civics to life for students.

As California commemorates America's 250th anniversary, judges from the San Mateo County Superior Court have accepted Chief Justice Patricia Guerrero's Power of Democracy Civic Learning Initiative (POD250) Challenge, committing to connect with at least 250 K-12 public school students by the end of 2026.

The challenge aligns with the Court's broader commitment to community outreach strengthening public trust by helping students, families, educators, and community members better understand the judicial system and the important role courts play in everyday life.

"Our goal is not simply to reach 250 students it's to build lasting relationships with our schools and community," said Judge Renee Reyna, Chair of the San Mateo County Court Community Outreach Committee. "When students have the opportunity to meet a judge or local attorney, ask questions, and learn how our courts serve the public, the justice system becomes more accessible, understandable, and relevant. We hope these conversations inspire curiosity, civic engagement, and confidence in our courts."

To support the Challenge, the Court will focus outreach efforts during Constitution Month in September, when judges and local attorneys will be available to visit classrooms for approximately 30-minute interactive presentations. Teachers are encouraged to schedule visits early for the upcoming school year.
Through the Power of Democracy's Judges in the Classroom program, students engage in age-appropriate discussions about constitutional rights, participate in mock trials, and explore how the judicial branch protects the rule of law. These classroom visits complement the Court's ongoing outreach efforts, which are designed to expand civic education, strengthen community partnerships, and increase awareness of court services and resources.

In addition to classroom presentations, the Court recognizes that many student governments and clubs hold oath ceremonies or welcome new student leaders at the beginning of the school year. Upon request and subject to judge/ local attorney availability, a judge/ local attorney may visit schools to administer oaths for student government or club leaders. Oaths may be administered in both English and Spanish.

The Court's outreach initiatives reflect its commitment to serving all members of the community, with a particular focus on reaching students, educators, families, community organizations, and historically underserved populations. By bringing judges and local attorneys into classrooms and participating in community events, the Court seeks to make the judicial branch more accessible, transparent, and responsive to the people it serves.
"Constitution Month is one of my favorite community outreach events. I love engaging with students about their thoughts on the rule of law, the Constitution, and the justice system. Children have an innate sense of the world and justice, and despite my role during Constitution Month to teach students about the judiciary and legal system, I often find myself learning more from them through their curious questions and wise observations," said Judge Renee Reyna, Chair of the San Mateo County Court Community Outreach Committee.

Teachers interested in scheduling a classroom visit may visit powerofdemocracy.org/pod250 or contact Bianca Fasuescu at communityoutreach@sanmateocourt.org. 

About San Mateo County Superior Court

The San Mateo County Superior Court is committed to building public trust through education, community partnerships, and meaningful engagement. The Court's outreach efforts increase public understanding of the judicial branch, promote civic learning, improve access to court information and services, and foster transparency, fairness, and confidence in the justice system for all members of the community.

About the Power of Democracy Civic Learning Initiative

Chief Justice Patricia Guerrero's Power of Democracy Civic Learning Initiative connects California judges with K-12 students through engaging classroom experiences that bring the Constitution, the rule of law, and the judicial branch to life. The initiative supports educators while inspiring students to become informed and active participants in their communities.

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