U-46 Celebrates Black History Month
Feb. 11, 2021
As part of School District U-46 events celebrating Black History Month, an educator and community leader will challenge and inspire U-46 families toward excellence during a virtual event that will also honor more than 100 students. Teachers and school leaders across the District are also creating special activities and events while acknowledging that we cannot limit Black history lessons and celebrations to the month of February.
“While we strive for equity and inclusiveness every day, it is still important to focus on the contributions and accomplishments of Black Americans during this month,” said U-46 Superintendent Tony Sanders. “We are also proud to recognize the academic excellence, dedication and accomplishment of our African-American students.”
The free event, being held virtually at 6 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 25, is open to all members of the U-46 community. During the program, U-46 will be honoring African-American students who are excelling in 6th, 8th, and 12th grades as well as students who participated in a November forum about their experiences as Black students in U-46. These outstanding student leaders have been invited to participate with their families.
Brittany Barber, the 2019 recipient of the Martin Luther King, Jr. Humanitarian Award in the City of Elgin, will offer a keynote address entitled "Resilience Personified: Celebrating Black Excellence, Fortitude and Culture” as part of the event. Those interested in attending should register at http://bit.ly/BHMU46.
School-based Black History Month events include the following:
Abbott Middle School
Student council members are filming administrators, staff, and students sharing facts related to Black History Month to send to students digitally.
Century Oaks Elementary School
Community members on Feb. 22 are invited to read aloud to students books either written by African-American authors or about notable African-American figures or events.
“Black Futures Matter,” featuring conversations with parents and community members about creating bright Black futures in our schools and community is being held on Feb. 11 at 5:30 p.m. via Zoom.
Clinton Elementary
Teachers in all grade levels have deliberately pulled materials, within their curriculum, that highlight Black authors, characters, and experiences. They will be using these curricular choices to have important, age appropriate conversations with students about African American experiences and achievements in the United States for the month of February.
Mr. Miquelon is highlighting an important event or person each day in their daily announcements to celebrate the achievements of African Americans throughout history.
Creekside Elementary School
Students throughout the school are engaging in historical, cultural, literary and socio-political learning in honor of Black History Month. They will gather for a virtual community celebration on Feb. 23 at 6:30 p.m. to share thoughts and hear from other students, staff, and family members.
Heritage Elementary School
Heritage students participating in a variety of classroom-based activities which will be shared during school virtual meetings later in the month.
Hilltop Elementary
As part of a "Many Stories, Stories Matter" event, 6th graders are inviting local Black community members to Zoom session to share their story through the month.
Fox Meadow Elementary
Intermediate students in music class are studying African-American spirituals, making connections to history, such as slavery and the Civil War.
Students in the primary grades will sing songs and read books about Martin Luther King, Jr. and will focus on the Civil Rights Movement.
All grades will discuss the Black Lives Matter movement and how it connects to previous periods in history.
African-American role models are also being highlighted during school-wide morning announcements, and Principal Gold is reading a book or highlighting a musician related to Black History Month as part of his weekly family e-newsletter.
Ronald D. O’Neal Elementary
Students will learn about famous Black artists throughout the month.
South Elgin High School
Physical education teacher Stephanie Katzenberger is tying fitness challenges to historic events, such as the 54-mile Selma to Birmingham March, or places, such as the 70,000 steps it would take to walk from South Elgin to Chicago’s DuSable Museum of African American History
Streamwood High School
As part of a “One Book, One Community” effort many students and staff are reading “Stamped: Racism, Antiracism, and You” by Jason Reynolds. The author will then speak at a virtual presentation open to the community. It is scheduled for Thursday, March 18 at 7 p.m. via Zoom.