Feb. 14, 2024
While School District U-46 aims to celebrate Black history throughout the school year, our schools and District have been recognizing the contributions of Black Americans throughout the month of February.
The District’s Department of Equity & Innovation is hosting two special events open to students, staff, and community members.
“Healing and Belonging Through Verse” is a virtual workshop during which participants will explore the works of writer Yolanda Sealey-Ruiz, especially poems from her books “The Peace Chronicles” and “Love from the Vortex” that focus on themes of love, belonging, and the need for healing. The workshop will also include space for participants to engage in writing exercises and share their own work. That event is scheduled for Tuesday, Feb. 20, at 6 p.m., and registration is encouraged here.
“Voices of Distinction: Owning the Glory in Our Stories,” is an in-person event designed to spotlight African-American staff who are making a difference in the everyday lives of U-46 students. It will be held at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 20, in the auditorium at Larkin High School.
Teachers and school leaders across the District have also created special activities and events while acknowledging that we cannot limit Black history lessons and celebrations to the month of February. Some of the events are listed below.
|
School
|
Activity
|
Date
|
|
Harriet Gifford Elementary
|
A Mini-Reader’s Theater: Morning announcements feature a student reading a paragraph in the first person about an important African-American figure in history and then placing their photo on the Black History Wall
|
All month
|
|
Horizon Elementary
|
Morning announcements featuring quotes related to Black History Month, read by I Am LEAD students
|
All month
|
|
Otter Creek Elementary
|
Morning announcements will feature students sharing accomplishments about African-American men and women they have researched
|
All month
|
|
Kenyon Woods Middle School
|
Displays, morning announcements and a food drive centered around Black History Month
|
All month
|
|
Tefft Middle School
|
Daily student messages and door decorations centered around Black History Month
|
All month
|
|
Bartlett High School
|
Facts related to Black History Month read during the morning announcements
|
All month
|
|
Elgin High School
|
Frederick Douglass Exhibit in Library
|
All month
|
|
Ridge Circle Elementary
|
Open Mic in which students share details about and quotes from influential African Americans they have researched
|
Fridays in February
|
|
Heritage Elementary
|
Soul of Heritage - Black History Event and Black Expo
|
Thursday, Feb. 15, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
|
|
I Am LEAD Mentor Group
|
Celebration of Black Beauty: Paint & Create
|
Saturday, Feb. 17, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
|
|
Virtual Event
|
A Night of Poetry with Dr. Yolanda Sealey-Ruiz. Register here.
|
Tuesday, Feb. 20, from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m.
|
|
Larkin High School
|
Voice of Distinction: Owning The Glory in Our Stories - A panel presentation featuring U-46 staff
|
Tuesday, Feb. 20, from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
|
|
Streamwood High School
|
Staff vs. Students basketball game, a fundraiser to raise funds for the Black Student Union Family Reunion and support local Black businesses
|
Wednesday, Feb. 21, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
|
|
Channing Elementary School
|
Black History Celebration and Literacy Night
|
Thursday, Feb. 22, from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m.
|
|
Virtual Event
|
Panel with representatives from several Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs)
|
Tuesday, Feb. 27, from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
|
|
Parkwood Elementary School
|
Gallery Walk focused on African Americans
|
Thursday, Feb. 29, from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
|
|
Ridge Circle Elementary
|
Gallery Walk featuring student-decorated doors honoring influential African Americans. Elgin’s “Project 2-3-1” will be shown in the gym
|
Thursday, Feb. 29, from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
|
|
Virtual Event
|
African American Advisory Council meeting with special guest Dr. Bettina Love
|
Thursday, Feb. 29, from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
|
|
Larkin High School
|
The Catapult of the Collective: Our Legacy, Our Vision, and Our Path
|
Thursday, Feb. 29, from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m.
|
