On April 19, 2023, the 8th grade class from St. Mary's Episcopal School visited the courthouse as part of their Three Branches of the Government field trip. The students were welcomed by Chief Judge Sheryl Lipman and learned about the District Court's history from Judge Jon McCalla. The students then visited Judge Thomas Parker's courtroom where they observed court proceedings. The students then performed a mock trial of the case Tinker v. Des Moines School District and rendered a verdict. A post-trial discussion was had with Judge Parker and Chief Magistrate Judge Tu Pham. The students ended their visit with lunch and questions with Chief Judge Lipman, Judge McCalla, Judge Fowlkes, Jr., Judge Parker, Chief Magistrate Judge Pham, and Magistrate Judge Christoff.

Students holding a mock trial

Students in mock trial

Students having lunch with the Judges

Student Group photo