Celebrating Black History Month
at Glennwood Elementary
Black History, Our History
Hello Glennwood families!
As part of Black History, Our History month, we wanted to share some of the ways that we are celebrating at Glennwood and in our community and also invite you to join us. While we know that the month of February is a time to reflect upon and celebrate Black History- both the achievements of Black people and their central role in our history. We want to emphasize that learning about Black History is learning about our history. This month-long celebration doesn’t start and end in February. The contributions and achievements of Black people and their central role in history is part of the rich fabric of our American history. It is not separate but interwoven, and embedded throughout all aspects of our lives and should be studied and celebrated all year long.
Our 2nd Annual African-American Read-In
African American Read-Ins may be fairly new to Glennwood, but they are not new to our country. In an effort to make literacy a significant part of Black History Month, the Black Caucus of the National Council of Teachers of English created African American Read-Ins almost 30 years ago! On Thursday, February 25th, from 8:45-9:30, each Glennwood classroom (both in-person and virtual classrooms) will virtually host a special guest who will read aloud a selected book written by an African American author. The goal is that all staff, students, and guest readers are reading, listening to, discussing, and celebrating the work of African American authors during that time.
Additionally, we will also live stream a virtual closing assembly on the afternoon of the 25th from 1:00-1:30, hosted by former Glennwood parent and host/founder of the podcast, Creative Tension, Dr. Elliott Robinson. We will also host Dr. Meria Carstarphen, former Superintendent of Atlanta Public Schools, who will give a final reading and Ms. Monica Nelson, former Glennwood music teacher, who will sing the Black National Anthem, Lift Every Voice and Sing to wrap up our celebration. Families, we'd LOVE for you to tune in for this special closing event if you're able to join us. Here is the live stream link to join.
Black History, Our History Choice Board
Black History, Our History Community Circle
Throughout the Month of Black History, Our History
Additionally, teachers will be building in activities, stories, and discussions around Black History all month long using a variety of resources including 28 Days: Moments in Black History That Changed the World by Charles R. Smith Jr. and this additional choice board, Black is Beautiful Story Choice Board, among other books and resources.
From Ms. Burkhalter, Glennwood’s Art Teacher
In Art, throughout the month of February, we will be focusing on Black artists such as Alma Thomas, Andrea Pippins, Tyree Guyton, Julie Mehretu, Faith Ringgold, and Terrance Osborne. We will discuss art vocabulary terms like perspective, proportion, movement, define abstract art, and explore the artistry of kente cloth weavings and their significance. To support our lessons, we will dive into some great books like Tar Beach, Magic Trash, and Brown: The Many Shades of Love.
From Ms. Pierce, Glennwood’s Music Teacher
In Music, we are celebrating Black History Month by focusing on the music of significant Black musicians including Louis Armstrong, Scott Joplin, William Grant Still, Florence Price, Duke Ellington, Ella Fitzgerald. Lessons incorporate dancing, singing, and discussing historical contexts for our songs and musicians. Students will also explore jazz, blues, scat singing, and music of the Harlem Renaissance. Throughout the month, we'll be learning Lift Every Voice and Sing as well as it's significant meaning and history as the Black National Anthem.Glennwood Elementary Where Learning Takes Flight
Principal
Email: hbrookins@csdecatur.net
Website: https://www.csdecatur.net/glennwood
Location: 440 East Ponce de Leon Avenue, Decatur, GA, USA
Phone: 404-370-4435
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gleagles/