Schools across the district honored Black History Month with creative, meaningful celebrations! Lincolnwood Elementary combined a new tradition — “Community Days,” inspired by Orrington Elementary — with an emphasis on Black leaders who inspire others.
This time is meant to learn about an aspect of what makes communities strong and to work together. This first Community Day was themed around poet Amanda Gorman's quote: "For there is always light, if only we're brave enough to see it, if only we're brave enough to be it.” According to Principal Laura Pinsof, each grade level brainstormed about ways that people can shine their light on others and then broke into groups themed around a Black leader who is a "light" for others.
At Dr. Bessie Rhodes School of Global Studies, interventionist Juana Fernandez-Hamer shared her artistic talents with her school community. Three original artworks hung in the hallway between the two front doors to the auditorium entrance.
“I am an Afro-Cuban woman and one thing that truly inspires me are the faces of my people,” Fernandez-Hamer shares in her artist statement about the pieces. She studied art in college and has returned to art as a way to honor her heritage.
For Chute Middle’s Black History Month Door Decorating Contest, students decorated their classroom doors with imagery that honors the rich history and achievements of the Black community, celebrating their lasting impact in an exciting and meaningful way.
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