Students Celebrate Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day

Students Celebrate Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day
Posted on 01/16/2017

Our students will be learning about Dr. King today and all week long.

Tonight Lawrence University and Celebrate Diversity Fox Cities will host the 26th annual Fox Cities Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Community Celebration. 

This event will give a spotlight to four students who were chosen as winners of the annual MLK essay contest. The students will read their essays, which can be viewed here. Three out of the four winners were from AASD schools:

 - Appleton Public Montessori fourth-grader Eli Skrypczak
 - Appleton North High School freshman Kala Lones
 - Appleton North junior Milly Figueroa

Below is a summary of some of the activities taking place to honor the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Berry
Kindergarten students read a scholastic news article and a book titled Martin Luther King Jr.’s Dream.

First graders are studying biographies, and using 2 MLK Jr books during read aloud. Students are also taking notes about him for a report. For shared reading, students read a poem as well as a small book about MLK. Students participated in a painting activity with matching our skin colors to show diversity.

Second graders read and discussed a book about MLK Jr, wrote MLK Jr speeches about a dream for their school, and also participated in a brown v. white egg activity to showcase diversity.

Third and second graders students are developing a MLK Jr – I Have A Dream hallway display.

Berry Students in front of their MLK display

Fourth grade students watched a video titled Celebrate with Discovery Education: MLK Jr Day, students around the country who are also watching this video will be able to share thoughts and reflections together. Classrooms also have bins with MLK Jr books available for students. I Have A Dream book will be read aloud during snack time.

Fifth and sixth grade students completed a detailed literacy, time-line, cause and effect activity related to the history of Martin Luther King Jr. and the Civil Rights Movement.

Edison
Lawrence University students led the students during recess activities and read to students at the end of the day.

Einstein
Students had the option to make a list of 10 things they can do to make the world a better place OR write a thank you note thanking Dr. King for his efforts to make the world a better place OR pretend that you had an opportunity to interview Dr. King. Write out five questions that you would like to ask him. Students then shared out in small groups.

Students watched Martin Luther King Jr’s speech, “What is your life’s blueprint?” and answered question prompts:
 - What are your dreams?
 - How do you hope to achieve them?
 - What changes can you make in your daily life to make those dreams possible?
 - Who will you rely on when you encounter barriers?
 - What will give you strength to overcome adversity?

Students also watched a Kid President video on MLK.

Here are some questions their 3rd block students would ask MLK Jr. if he was still alive…. 

 - How do you feel it is right now for the people not to stand for our National Anthem because of racism?
 - Who were your speeches mainly directed at?
 - What were you planning to do after your assassination?
 - Were you afraid and when?
 - How many people came to you and agreed with you?
 - Did you know you would become famous?
 - You talked about your children in the speech, what was your family like?
 - Where there days that you thought to yourself that you should stop?
 - What first gave you the idea that you should make a difference in our world?
 - Who were the most influential people in your life?
 - Are you happy about how the US is now?
 - Would you change or take back anything you said in your “I Have a Dream Speech?”
 - Are you ok about giving your life for freedom?

Franklin
“All About Me” cultural celebration on Thursday, January 19, 2017 from 9:00 to 10:00 a.m. and the bigger event from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m.

Horizons
Classrooms are doing a variety of MLK activities. Read alouds are happening throughout the day and week. On January 26, we have a Family Night and will be doing an “I Have a Dream in 2017” event. 

Huntley
Kindergarten students discussed a poster about Martin Luther King Jr. (titled Who Is Being Kind?). Students also read and colored a paper book to take home to share. The class is making a dream quilt – each student will draw a square with what their dream is.

Jefferson
Students at Jefferson are participating in mini lessons about MLK Jr during class.

Johnston
Johnston’s morning announcements talked about MLK Jr. and there was a reading of quotes from Essay Contest winners. Students will be participating in various classroom activities. Mrs. Ring’s kindergarten class created “King for a Day” wish artwork.

North
Appleton North had a special poem read during announcements in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Wilson
Special, student prepared, announcements during Resource will occur each day this week to honor  Martin Luther King Jr. day.