Holocaust Survivor Shares Story, Simple Machines, Fitness Awareness, Visit with Some Famous People

Holocaust Survivor Shares Her Story: Eighth graders at were captivated by the story of Thea Aschkenase’s life. Aschkenase is a survivor of the Holocaust and now living in Worcester. She spoke to students about her experiences as World War II began when she was living in Munich, Germany, the discrimination she witnessed because she was Jewish, the conditions she had to endure while at concentration camps, and her feelings on losing members of her family.

The presentation, which was  arranged for a second year by Melican teacher Kim Senior, said "several students commented on how sad her story was and how amazing it is that she was able to live through such a terrible ordeal.  They found her to be quite an inspiration."

Born in 1923 in Munich, Germany, Aschkenase fled Germany during Hitler’s regime to Milan, Italy with her parents and younger brother in 1939. She explained how she could only take one suitcase with her containing necessary clothing. She had to leave behind all her personal items.

Diane Porter, from the Instructional Technology department at the middle school, commented how that remark seemed to affect the students, as "they all have possessions that many would find difficult to give up."

After the Italian government formed an alliance with the Germans, Aschkenase’s family was hidden in Italy with the help of their landlords for a short time. Eventually, they were found and brought to a prison and then transferred to Auschwitz where she and her mother were separated from her younger brother and father. She often wondered why her and her mother were not separated.

The conditions at Auschwitz were degrading and humiliating for the women, and the hunger she experienced was beyond explanation.

In 1945, the war ended and she was freed, and she and her mother, without any idea as to where they were, embarked on a journey back to Italy. Along the way, they had to evade the Russians, who were very violent to women.

Back in Italy, she realized that her father and her brother did not return and that no relatives were alive. Aschkenase said that one of the hardest things for her to know was that her seventeen year old brother was executed.

She continued to share how she made it to Israel, met her husband, had a baby and came to the United States.

There was no support after the war ended. She didn’t want to talk about her experiences. "It took many years to do so," she said. "There aren’t many survivors, so someone has to tell."

She recently wrote her memoir and Worcester State University is in the process of publishing it.

Students are studying the Holocaust as part of their curriculum.

Porter commented that "the presentation was moving. The students were engaged, many of their expressions showed empathy as Thea related her story."

Building Simple Machines: Second graders at were able to build a rubber band race car under the direction of Bob LeDuc of Wooden Toys and Crafts in Marlborough.

LeDuc started the program with shape recognition of each wooden piece that would be a part of the finished car, and took the time to discuss hammer safety with the students. He followed with step by step instruction until each student had completed their simple machine.

Second grade teacher, Kim Whitley, thought this was a great program as she begins her unit on simple machines as part of the curriculum this year.

Birds of Prey: welcomed Julie Collier of Wingmasters  located in Leverett, MA. During two sessions, the entire student body was able to learn about birds of prey as Collier brought along five of her feathered friends, including a Barn Owl, Screech Owl, Red Tailed Hawk, Merlin, and a Golden Eagle.

"The Golden Eagle is the largest, oldest and smartest bird," according to Collier. The one that visited the school with her weighed 17 pounds.

The differences between the birds were discussed such as weight, color, how their territory is defended, food they eat, vision, wings, beaks and talons.

Collier also noted which birds may be found in our area, and how some, such as the small Screech Owl, will never have bright colors as it uses camouflage for protection. The Barn Owl, however, hides inside of things like barns because it doesn’t blend in well with trees and leaves. Another interesting fact of the Barn Owl is that "its feathers are very soft. This enables it to sneak up on its prey of rats and mice," said Collier.

"The female of birds of prey are larger than the males at birth," commented Collier. This makes sense as the female is responsible for the babies and her size helps to keep the babies warm and she is able to protect them. Typically, "the bigger the bird, the longer the life span," she also noted.

Collier showed each bird of prey to the students, while the bird was tethered to her. Interestingly, the two most popular birds among the students were the Golden Eagle and the Screech Owl, two birds of very different sizes.

Collier has been presenting her educational birds of prey program for 30 years to schools, museums and libraries. The birds she shows all have been injured, many referred to her by Tufts University Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine. Some of the birds she is able to release back into the wild, but others are permanently handicapped and cared for by Collier.

First grade teacher, Marissa Marzilli,  who is focusing on animal habitats and animal characteristics as part of her curriculum, thought "the show was great.    The children really enjoyed it, especially being able to see the birds up close.  The program was informative about the types of birds and where they live.  They enjoyed the live aspect of the program."

The first grade unit on animal habitats  incorporates  activities and lessons while learning about birds, as well as other animals that live in the desert, grasslands, the rainforest, ocean and ponds.   

"The children complete a very special at home project, where they chose an animal, research the animal, write a report and then make the habitat for their animal," mentioned Marzilli. A special showing of the projects was attended by the school and families. 

Fitness Awareness Programs: is making its mark on health and wellness for its students and staff. Principal Susan Whitten commented that "a healthy body develops a healthy mind."

For six weeks, the students and staff have been participating in Walk Across America. With 70 percent participation, all voluntarily, each walker has a pedometer to track his or her steps. These are tallied weekly to see where the steps take them. As a school, 10,477 miles have been logged, which is the equivalent of half way around the globe.

"We have far surpassed our original goal," said Whitten. "It’s all about participation, not competition."

She commented that some students are challenging themselves, such as knowing that 52,400 steps translates into 26.2 miles, which is the course of the Boston Marathon.

As a school, they are now trying to walk around the globe. They made it to Hawaii, and the last stop was Japan, and are currently making their way to India. Each stop is chosen by students. The mileage is tracked on a large map in the lobby.

"The kids are really excited. They are also learning about geography and map skills," Whitten shared.

Another bonus from this program is that families are getting involved in this effort together. Walking is an inexpensive way to spend time together as a family with many health benefits.

The walking will continue through May 27.

In another fitness initiative, the gym at Zeh has once again been transformed into its annual Project Adventure, a challenge course geared towards each grade level. With the help of Regan Desimone, parent volunteers and custodial staff, the course is set up at the end of February vacation and continues until April vacation.

Tire swings, rope ladders, and rock wall climbing are just a few of the stations set up for the students. Due to the nature of the set up, requirements for a special safety certification had to be met by the school. Parents have also been trained accordingly to assist the students.

Whitten said it is a confidence booster for the students. At the end of the six weeks, students have challenged themselves and doing more than they thought they could.

The week of April 25, the school will be holding various programs for Environmental Awareness Week.

Visit with Some Famous People: Lisa Miranda's third grade class at Peaslee School held their Biography Open House.  Students just completed their biography themed book reports and greeted parents and school staff in character.  Among the famous people available for autographs were Carrie Underwood, President Barack Obama, Tara Lipinski, Wayne Gretsky, Davy Crockett, Neil Armstrong, Elvis Presley, Queen Elizabeth, Larry Bird, W.K. Kellogg, Abraham Lincoln, Sacajawea, Laura Ingalls Wilder, Ben Franklin, Paul Revere, Squanto, and Maria Tallchief.

This column will highlight some of the schools’ many special programs, speakers, events, and community service projects.  If you are aware of a program that you would like featured in this column, please email Liz Nolan at lizard211@gmail.com.