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A Message from our PTA President, Kamela Aboussie
Dear Bradfield Families,
With the arrival of May the countdown is on! So, with three weeks of letters left, here’s one more ode to Bradfield history. In 1976, the end of April and the month of May culminated in 50th year celebrations at Bradfield, and they were beautifully documented for us to see and to learn a half a century later!
I’ve mentioned before, Bradfield’s 50th school year aligned with the Bicentennial of the United States of America. So, the opportunity was seized for a year-long study of American history, centering around what it means to become a great citizen of our country and of our country’s vast heritage.
Each grade level studied a group of people who influenced our American heritage.
Kinder and first grade studied the Native Americans. Second grade studied the Pilgrims. Third grade studied the Spanish, and fourth grade the French. And the fifth graders studied the American Revolutionists. Every Friday students presented “Today in History” vignettes, bringing to life events leading up to the Declaration of Independence.
Citizenship was emphasized throughout the year by students working to beautify Bradfield’s school grounds…planting flower beds, cleaning and painting trash cans, and decorating the school. Outside Bradfield, our students painted and delivered pictures to the Children’s Hospital.
Their studies culminated in a giant Bicentennial carnival on April 30, 1976. Students dressed their parts, and presented cultural villages by grade level, which they called “The Five Villages of Bradfield.” Each village featured cultural crafts, food, demonstrations and games. It was a BIG show, and they were so creative! I think painting “Plymouth Rocks” and hosting a “Boston Toy Party” are especially clever!
The Bicentennial celebration ended with a patriotic singalong led by Senator “Ike” Harris, and students released hundreds of “Freedom Balloons” filled with names and notes. In the coming months those messages were answered from miles and miles away, one as far away as Birmingham, Alabama!
Later in May came Bradfield’s traditional Field Day, with some added excitement to celebrate 50 years. Our own Field Day team of 2026 started planning months ago, determined to weave the two together. You’ll see below a Field Day Fever! ad from 1976, and when you scroll through The Blaze a Field Day Fever! ad for 2026!
We have three weeks to go celebrating our own historic year, and I hope our month of May is just as special as it was fifty years ago!
Love,
Kam
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