Reporter Ryan Robinson sent us submissions that are timely and inspiring of some reflection. He reports on some of the doings at Valley Middle School. As the nation gears towards up for a presidential election, VMS is holding their own.
“VMS is a great school and they let kids help out running their school. They have positions open to all the grades at Valley and this year, I’m running for one of them! The 6th grade can run for Council clerk, the 7th grade for Treasurer or Secretary and 8th grade, my grade for Vice President or President. I, am running for Vice President! (wish me luck!) I find it great how students can participate in student government and learn something about themselves and others. There is even a National Association of Student Council! I hope that other students everywhere in the future can learn the joy of Student Council. “
The students are also learning about American history and the great role played by the numerous immigrants that make up the melting pot. The term “melting pot” originated in America from the play by Israel Zangwill which used it as the title. Towards the end of the play it reads, ” My children shall be your children and your land shall be my land because my sweat and my blood will cement the foundations of the America of To-Morrow. If I can be fused into the body politic, the Melting-Pot will have stood the supreme test.” Below Ryan describes the event that will be taking place at VMS:
“You’ve heard the stories from your grandparents or maybe you did yourself, you immigrated to America. Well, Valley middle school has a special day to reflect and to learn. On Friday October 24, students will dress up as their ancestors and “immigrate” the the US. There will be passports, food, and so much more. This event is only for the 8th grade, but the other grades will see the 8th graders walking in the hallway dressing as the past. Mrs. Kokkinakis, an 8th grade American Studies teacher describes the event as ‘Students can dress up and participate in a day of 3rd wave immigrants to the US. The year is 1908 and students will be reenacting the hardships of immigrants coming to America. “
America has come along way since 1908 when many children were not in school learning, but instead were toiling in unsafe working conditions seeking to help support struggling families. A tribute to Lewis W. Hine, who’s eye for photography shared a vision for social justice, is exhibited in the video slide show below documenting child labor during this time period.
The beginning is silent with some text over layed to offer some background on the times, and the slide show begins with a soft fiddle playing as a sound track. It’s about 9 minutes long, but worth it if you have the time and inclination.