FMS Students Present National History Day Projects In Fridley

From Fridley Public Schools:

March 1, 2020

Fridley Middle School (FMS) 8th grade students presented their National History Day competition projects on February 13, 2020. This year’s theme was “Breaking Barriers in History.” Up to a student’s own interpretation, the 8th graders focused on an event or people who broke down barriers that were physical, political, technological, related to civil rights, or were a “first” in history.

“History Day serves as a capstone project for 8th grade students,” said FMS Individuals and Societies teacher Aaron Cuthbert. “The self-management skills students learn through this project are critical in their Individuals & Societies class and Language & Literature class.”

The History Day project allows students to explore their own interests and creatively present research through an individually selected format of an exhibit, documentary, research paper, performance, or website. In addition, students practice critical communication and social skills by presenting their projects to their peers, parents, and volunteer judges.

The project also allows students to put their Approaches to Learning (ATL) skills of self-management, communication, research skills, social skills and critical thinking skills, into practice. ATL skills empower students to succeed in meeting challenging objectives of assessment projects, as well as prepare them for future success as they pursue the rigorous International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme or IB Career-related Programme at Fridley High School.

Cuthbert added that students learn how to use a variety of resources during this project, including print, library, online, and databases. In January, the students took a field trip to Wilson Library at the University of Minnesota to further their research. The field trip was funded by the Minnesota Legacy Grant and served as an excellent educational opportunity for students to research their topics with a variety of resources.

In addition, FMS students benefited from the assistance of University of Minnesota student and Fridley High School class of 2018 graduate Alex Herlofsky, who was a mentor provided through the Minnesota Historical Society History Day program. Herlofsky worked with students on numerous occasions to help them research and construct their projects. Mississippi Public Library Manager Shannon Melham and her staff also helped students with their research by attending after-school research nights.

This year, more than 50 staff members, Fridley High School students and community members volunteered as judges for the competition. The judges rated students according to criteria provided by the National History Day organization. Several of our 8th grade students advanced and will compete at the regional History Day Competition on March 28, 2020 at the White Bear Lake High School South Campus. Students who advance from regionals will compete at the state competition at the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities.

Congratulations to the following students who were selected to advance to the regional History Day Competition!

Individual Exhibit:

• Alen Seferovic

• Taryn Finch

• Ethan Andler

• Robbie Scheldrup

Group Exhibit:

• Alex Sanchez Romero & Azael Nevarez Guerrero

• Brittney Merchan Robles & Emily Duba

• Cody Hoppes & Alexis Bright

Individual Documentary:

• Nathan Belay

Individual Website:

• Ayushi Bijlwan

• Izzy Simon

• Litzy Carcamo

Group Website:

Brooklyn Dahms & Jassica Groodyal

This press release was produced by Fridley Public Schools. The views expressed here are the author’s own.