Expanding Horizons

Mendham Township, NEW JERSEY (February 6, 2023) – Fifth grade can be a year full of new experiences for students. Reading assignments in Language Arts offer the opportunity not only to virtually travel to other countries and to other times, but it also affords a student the opportunity to understand what it may be like to live a different life. In Social Sciences, complex concepts, such as, immigration to another country are explored, analyzed, and imagined against the backdrop of different events in diverse cultures in disparate times. At Mendham Township Middle School (MTMS) students are encouraged to research their own personal heritage, looking through the telescope of time to discover what their parents, grandparents, and great-grandparents may have experienced as regards immigration in their lives.

Every year, MTMS Grade 5 students continue the tradition of dedicating one day in the school year to share and celebrate their individual heritage (the recent pandemic situation, of course, was an exception). Each student researches, compiles, and narrates a presentation that provides fun facts and commentary about some aspect of their own heritage.

This year, the Heritage Celebration Festival took place on Friday, February 3, 2023. The scope of the students’ presentations spanned geography, history, language, food, dance, attire, professions, governments, and living environments that related to their heritage. Students prepared formal slideware, posters, dressed in appropriate attire, and some students even brought a traditional dish from home for sharing at their Grade 5 Heritage Festival luncheon. Students grew silent and focused as they listened to their fellow students’ presentations and then studiously made notes about a particular culture or country. Each student celebrated their individual background and the assignment helped build the student’s self-esteem as they discussed their family history in the supportive environment of their peers.

Students’ presentations took place during the morning and the references to different cuisines from around the world created anticipation for the grand luncheon. This was a food fest with parents and students contributing an amazing array of ethnic dishes. From Chinese noodles to Mexican spices this was an incredible smorgasbord.

Parents of students prepared an incredible culinary experience, but also went on to provide their own presentations on heritage. During the afternoon, students were treated to the wonderful experience of individual parents talking about their different cultures and ancestries. Truly this was an enriched learning experience. Students listened in a hushed awe to parents describing their ancestors’ motivation for immigrating to the United States. The pupils learned about occupations and professions long gone, such as, how important an iceman was to improving the quality of everyday life.

The day culminated in all Grade 5 classes coming together to spend time playing cultural games and activities. There was a sense of sharing and of accomplishment. Social Sciences studies came to life and required reflection. Students may have read “Number the Stars,” by Lois Lowry and may have been amazed by the hardship and bravery reflected in the story, but they also had the opportunity to listen to parents in their own community bear witness to the stories of immigration within each of their families. Mrs. Megan Fazio, MTMS Grade 5 Social Sciences Teacher, was the lead organizer for the event. Mrs. Fazio explained, “Heritage Day is always one of my favorite days of the year. Seeing the enthusiasm students have for learning and sharing about their own family's culture is very special. I hope it ignites a spark in each of them to continue learning about different types of people and places around the world!”

“I would like to thank the MTSD PTO, parents, family members and volunteers for making this such a marvelous experience for our fifth grade students,” said Mr. Nicholas Angrisani, Assistant Principal of Mendham Township Middle School. “I am also grateful for the planning and vision provided by Mrs. Megan Fazio, and the support provided by other members of the fifth-grade faculty, including: Mr. Craig Clausen ~ Science, Mrs. Erica Hays ~ Language Arts (Reading), Mrs. Elizabeth Hollman ~ Spanish, Ms. Jessica Mallonee Language Arts (Writing), Mrs. Jackie Medina ~ Basic Skills, Mrs. Amanda Porter ~ World Language, and Mrs. Kelly Wilce ~ Math. This was truly a team effort for providing an exceptional educational experience for our students.”