Joppa View Elementary Celebrates Diversity, MLK

With about 45 percent of its student population in racial minorities, is one of Perry Hall's most diverse elementary schools, according to Maryland State Department of Education data.

"We consider multiculturalism to be very important," said Principal Scott Palmer.

This was one of the reasons behind the school's celebration of civil rights leader on Friday, Palmer said. Students made crafts, sang songs and wrote essays about freedom and equality throughout the school.

In Susan Riesett's second grade class, students colored banners including a picture of King and a quote about peace.

Student Patrick Ramirez said King was important because "he brought the white and the black people together."

Kellie Cordell's first grade class sang the children's song, "Sing about Martin," before watching an educational video about the American civil rights movement. 

"It's important to make sure that they know his legacy and his beliefs about freedom and problem solving in creative ways," the principal said.