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a decline in the amount of textbook space dedicated to George Washington, his many achievements, and the overall importance of our nation's founding era.
• Mount Vernon launched the George Washington Portrait Program in 2007 with the objective of returning Washington's portrait to schools, driven by the belief that his restored presence would inspire teachers and students alike. The portrait is offered free of charge to any school that requests the portrait. The only requirement is that the school's principal must send a letter asking for the portrait and agree to hang the portrait in the school where all the students can see it.
• Duncan took the request to Joe Schwan, Groton High School Principal. Schwan sent the letter and the portrait arrived last month. Duncan and some of her students presented the portrait to the Groton School Board during their meeting on September 24, 2012. The portrait was hung in the library this past week.
• Accompanying the portrait is a George Washington Celebration Kit with suggested lesson plans for classroom use. Packed and shipped in a sturdy, four-color storage box, the kit contains an American flag that has been flown over Mount Vernon (certificate of authenticity included) and a colorful binder with elementary-level lessons, activities, and information about George Washington and his era. For middle and high schools, there is also a CD-ROM containing 12 detailed, cross-curricular lesson plans about Washington; many primary source documents relating to Washington and his times; images of Washington, including other portraits; and illustrated biographical information about Washington and his presidency.
• As commander in chief of the Continental Army, George Washington led our nation to independence. As president of the Constitutional Convention, he presided over the creation of our new instrument of government. And, as the first president of the United States, he led our country through the early, turbulent years of nationhood. George Washington's leadership, character and civic responsibility remain examples to follow today.

• -Char Telkamp

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