Lenape Lifeways Comes to Saint James the Apostle School

Saint James the Apostle School 4th, 5th, and 6th graders enjoyed an interactive Lenape Indians indoor field trip called Lenape Lifeways in the school's Hatcher Hall Auditorium. John Kraft, the Director of Lenape Lifeways, is an archaeologist and educator. John presented a slideshow full of breathtaking pictures throughout the Lenape era. He told stories and displayed many touchable objects and artifacts, including authentic clothing, tools, pottery, musical instruments, artwork, masks and games. He was even dressed head to toe in authentically recreated garments. John shared his expertise and knowledge of the Lenape people, who once inhabited parts of New Jersey, including Springfield. As the trip was coming to an end, the students quickly learned a few words in the native Lenape language. Everyone who attended, students and teachers, enjoyed the indoor field trip and developed a historical comprehension of the Lenape Indians who, at one time, inhabited the very community we live in.

Saint James the Apostle School has been serving the parishioners of Saint James the Apostle Church in Springfield and surrounding communities since 1953. Saint James the Apostle School offers students from PreK-3 through grade eight a Roman Catholic faith-based education which acknowledges each child's individual ability to achieve their fullest potential academically, socially, and spiritually.

Saint James the Apostle School is located at 41 S. Springfield Avenue, Springfield, NJ 07081. Call 973-376-5194 or Email sjschool@sjspringfield.org for more information.

Picture 1 - behind the masks are brother and sister Tierney and Emer Vesey

Picture 2 - Jon-Paul Farris and Jamie Jules