Day is history lesson for Campus International students (Photo Gallery)
CMSD NEWS BUREAU
1/20/21
A presidential inauguration takes place just once every four years, so it was fortunate for Campus International K-8 students that this time it fell on day when they could give the event their full attention.
Campus International offers "flex" group options on Wednesdays, a districtwide day for independent study while students are in remote learning. To mark the historic occasion, the school hosted a variety of patriotic activities.
“It was really important for us, given our curriculum. We encourage students to ask questions,” said Kate Grzelak, a Campus K-8 teacher. "These activities gave them a space to do just that.”
As International Baccalaureate schools, Campus International K-8 and Campus International High School encourage students to be global citizens who explore their world. Both CMSD schools are located on the campus of Cleveland State University.
Some of the events at Campus K-8 included patriotic karaoke, presidential trivia, patriotic cake decorating and a virtual tour of the White House. Principal Julie Beers read “Ambitious Girl” by Meena Harris, Vice President Kamala Harris’ niece, to students.
“We believe this remote world can be tricky, so we try to bring joy to the classroom,” Beers said.
Teacher Celeste Smith wore a Statue of Liberty headband with an American flag hanging in the background as she shared facts about previous presidents and newly elected Joseph R. Biden Jr.
“Did you know Joe Biden overcame a speech disorder, stuttering, and he worked really hard to overcome it,” Smith said. “He was bullied as a child. He worked really hard and never gave up.”
During Interesting Presidential Trivia activity, students answered questions that included ‘What president had a pet alligator?’
One of the students, fittingly with the first name of Kennedy, answered with the correct answer: John Quincy Adams. The fourth grader says she is fascinated with presidential history and just finished a project on the same subject.
“I’ve seen a presidential inauguration before,” she said. “But this is the first time I really understood it.”
Campus students in middle and high school grades held watch parties so students could witness the event together.
Peyton, a fifth grader, said she enjoyed watching 22-year-old Amanda Gorman, the youngest inaugural poet, recite her poem “The Hill We Climb” and seeing Harris become the first vice president who is a woman, as well as black and of South Asian decesent, vice president.
“I thought it was really great to see all the history around this one day,” said Peyton. “To know that points of history are happening while we are still young is great. Most of the time history happens before we were born.”
Madison, a first grader, dressed in red and blue with pearl necklaces as she watched the inauguration and participated in the activities. She thinks Harris is great.
“I wonder how she is going to help the new president,” Madison said.
Madison’s mom, Mari, was glad her daughter witnessed history.
“I think it is important she knows that one day that could be her,” said Mari.