Schools Celebrate African American History Month

African American History Month is celebrated in February throughout the .  According to a release, a variety of interesting and enlightening learning activities are taking place in each school, designed to highlight and pay tribute to African Americans who have made significant contributions to society.

Below are just some of the school’s activities:

BELMONT HILLS ELEMENTARY SCHOOL: Under the direction of music teacher Kathy Foote, fifth and sixth grade students will sing Jazz is on Its Way via the intercom system on Feb. 22nd.

The sixth grade students are reading biographies on Langston Hughes and Duke Ellington during Literature Studies.

In Social Studies classes, the sixth graders wrote reports using the biography genre of African Americans who have made contributions to the American way of life. These personalities included scientists, engineers, agriculturalists, physicians, inventors, civil rights leaders, politicians and entertainers. The theme was "We Made A Difference" referring to the personalities studied and linked it to "Now, It Is Your Turn". In addition, students were selected to read their reports over the school intercom on Mondays and Fridays.

RUSSELL C. STRUBLE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL: In the music classroom, under the direction of music teacher Sharon Steward, students will experience African Music (drumming, call-response, polyrhythms, improvisation) and The Blues (Students will become aware of this musical form and create original lyrics which will be performed in the classroom). 

The lower grades will become aware of the Underground Railroad; books will enhance the classroom experience including: Follow the Drinking Gourd, Abiyoyo, Aunt Harriet's Underground Railroad in the Sky. Songs include Get on Board, Follow the Drinking Gourd, also set to Orff accompaniment.

CECELIA SNYDER MIDDLE SCHOOL: In recognition of Black History Month and in keeping with their school wide plan to educate students about the diverse world in which we find ourselves, Mrs. Pitcher and Mrs. Gale classes are working on a “Heroes” unit. 

During February, they combine their classes and share the history of our country and the contributions of the people who changed the lives of many.  The lessons will take place on Feb 7, 11, 14, 18, 25, 28; March 7, 11 14, 18 first and second period. (8:27- 9:59 a.m.) Their Heroes breakfast will take place on March 23, first and second period. (8:27- 9:59 a.m.)

In addition, the students will develop an essay on who they feel is their personal hero.  Following the written portion of the unit, students will invite their hero to class and share their essay during the Heroes Breakfast on March 23.

BENSALEM HIGH SCHOOL:  The ninth grade curriculum this month is focused on Africa and African culture.  In Pop Culture, they are studying the Civil Rights Movement.  In American Government, they will be covering African American right to vote and segregation Supreme Court cases, and in American History they are discussing African American’s roles in World War II and post World War II.