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Author Russell Ginns Visits Grades 3-5

2/26/2018

Students in grades 3-5 had a very special visitor on Friday, February 23. Russell Ginns, local author of Samantha Spinner and the Super Secret Plans, visited to talk about his new book and being an author. Following a short presentation, he answered students' questions and signed copies of his book.

Russell Ginns is a writer and game designer who specializes in puzzles, songs, and smart fun. Russell lives and writes in Washington, DC. He is the author of Samantha Spinner and the Super Secret Plans, the first book in a hilarious new series about a girl, her brother, and some super-big globe-trotting adventures. Learn more.

Special thanks to our librarian, Mrs. Burton, and East City Bookshop for coordinating this special event.

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Black History Celebration

2/1/2018

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February is Black History month! This year our school's celebration will focus on the Harlem Renaissance, a period of cultural, social, and artistic explosion from the mid-1910s until the mid-1930s. Throughout the month, our students will learn about the important contributions and ideas that were generated in this era and still have impact today.

Activities will include:

BLACK HISTORY TRIVIA
Daily
Every morning, each class will have the opportunity to answer Black History trivia questions.

SOUL WEEK
February 12-15
Students will get in the “soul” spirit and dress for every day of the week.

Monday, February 12: A Legacy of Royalty: Kings & Queens Day
Wear a crown to school to represent the kings and queens of ancient African civilizations.
Tuesday, February 13: Investing in Knowledge: HBCU & Divine Nine Day
Wear HBCU or Divine Nine (staff) apparel or colors to represent the Black contribution to education.
Wednesday, February 14: The Talented Tenth: Black Excellence
Zoot suits and evening dresses…dress up and wear your very best (1920’s edition)!
Thursday, February 15: Formation: Black Out Day
Wear black clothing to raise awareness about the injustices facing the Black community.

RENAISSANCE BALL
Thursday, February 22
ECE and K students are invited to come dressed in "Roaring 20s" or best-dressed outfits and enjoy music and food from the Harlem Renaissance Era.

BLACKADEMICS
Tuesday, February 20
Grades 3–5 will host a Blackademics. Student representatives will compete to answer Black History trivia. Students will be given a study guide to prepare.

SHOWTIME AT THE APOLLO ASSEMBLY
Friday, February 23
9:00 am: ECE and K
10:30 am: Grades 1 – 5
Each class will present a poem, song, or display of art to the school. The winners of the Dr. King art contest will be recognized.

DOOR AND HALLWAY DECORATIONS
All month long
To bring our theme alive, classes will decorate their doors and bulletin boards with the following focus:

Art (1st floor)
Literature (2nd floor)
Music (3rd floor)

BLACK HISTORY MONTH READING LIST
Interested in continuing the conversation at home? Our teachers recommend the following children’s books:

Harlem’s Little Blackbird by Renee Watson
Sugar Hill: Harlem’s Historic Neighborhood by Carole Boston Weatherford
Marcus Garvey by Suzanne Francis-Brown
Ella Fitzgerald: The Tale of a Vocal Virtuosa by Andrea Davis Pinkney
Duke Ellington: The Piano Prince and his Orchestra by Andrea Davis Pinkney

Josephine: The Dazzling Life of Josephine Baker by Patricia Hruby Powell
The Entrance Place of Wonders by Daphne Muse
Harlem Renaissane Party by Faith Ringgold
Keisha Discovers Harlem by Zoe Lewis
Harlem by Walter Dean Myers

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Author Russell Ginns Visits Grades 3-5

Black History Celebration

Activities will include:

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