From Harford County Public Schools:
On Flag Day, June 14, 2011, Churchville Elementary School was a sea of red, white and blue as they held their first annual Flag Day parade and celebration. The day began with the students dressed in flag colors parading through the parking lot, led by Churchville Elementary scouts and the student government. Each grade carried a flag-related project during the parade.
A ceremony was held, where students learned about flag etiquette from Girl Scouts as the Fifth Grade Boy Scout Color Guard hoisted the flag. Cub Scouts stood at attention during the ceremony and led the Pledge of Allegiance. The 4th and 5th grade chorus sang the “Star Spangled Banner” as all students stood proudly with their hands over their hearts. The school band played “America,” better known as “My Country ‘tis of Thee,” as everyone sang along. Kindergarten students sang “God Bless the USA” while they signed the lyrics in American Sign Language. Mrs. Cook, assistant principal, talked about the history of Flag Day and facts about the U.S. Flag. The entire school joined in singing “You’re a Grand Old Flag” before parading back to the classrooms for more flag-related learning.
Wherever possible, teachers included flag facts and activities in lesson plans for the day. The cafeteria staff even got into the spirit, offering strawberries and blueberries, along with red, white and blue gelatin parfaits with lunch.
Finally, students participated in a living flag activity holding colored cards based on the design of the American Flag on the field behind the school. The 4th grade gifted and talented students calculated to determine the size of the squares and number needed to incorporate the entire student body.
Churchville Elementary Principal Thomas Smith said the day was such a success that it will become an annual event.
carol says
Judging my Churchville Elementary School’s MSA scores, they might want to spend a bit more time in the classroom. What was the objective from the Maryland curriculum addressed by this activity? Was it measureable? Mr. Smith, I welcome a response.
proud Churcville parent says
Churchville Elementary is a mix of very high, middle and low income families. If you are used to the homoginous populations of some other Harford County schools, then your ignorance is understandable. Equating a patriotic activity that took nothing from the educational environment and I would assert actually engaged students in learning U.S. History, is both missguided and shows your myopic view of academic achievement. Mr. Smith is an excellent administrator, and has the repect of every CES parent I have ever encountered.
kathleen murphy says
You need to understand that ALL children must meet the grade level standards established by MSDE. These outcomes are not specific to the income level of the family. That is why the months, weeks, and days in school must address the outcomes outlined in the Maryland State Curriculum. This type of activity only satisfies Churchville’s parents desires and needs
proud Churcville parent says
I do understand. I also have n. Problem letting our little robots take a break from being “taught to the test” to learn about patriotism for part of a day. My point was more about diversity than just economic status.