
Celebrating Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., is a tradition in the Montclair Public Schools. From assemblies to classroom activities to service projects, below is just a glimpse of what took place around the district.
Hillside held an assembly, and the school had its annual Blessing Bag Drive for the community in partnership with Nishuane. Families donated bags containing a variety of travel-sized toiletries, snacks, socks, and more for those in need.
In addition to the school’s annual assembly celebrating Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.,
Nishuane held its annual Kindness & Justice Challenge. Every time learners did something kind, they earned a link to add to the kindness chain. In total, the school community collected 2,173 kindness and justice links! Additionally, as a service project, learners assumed the role of changemakers as they participated in two Days of Action. During the Days of Action, young changemakers assembled 204 Blessing Bags and wrote Peace Notes.
Edgemont held classroom discussions about the importance of Dr. King, his vision, his actions and his impact as well as what everyone can do in the community and nationally, to address issues that still exist today such as voters’ rights, labor rights, and racial justice. An assembly focused on Dr. King and community service, civic responsibility, and advocacy.
Northeast celebrated MLK with an assembly featuring performances from each grade, a discussion about sculptor Augusta Savage and a conversation with Governor’s Educational Services Professional of the Year staff member Lorrie Hunter who is also an artist and author.
Watchung staff and students participated in a variety of classroom activities to honor the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., including read alouds, directed drawings and peaceful posters. The 4th grade led an MLK Jr.- inspired assembly. The students sang songs, performed skits, danced, drew artwork, and recited poems. Since the district was closed due to the snowstorm Watchung staff and students participated in its “Day of Service” with a variety of classroom activities to honor the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Watchung’s SATp Equity Committee organized activities for each grade to during their indoor recess. Students in grades 2-5 decorated and packed 300 art bags for youth served by Treehouse Cares’ community centers and soup kitchens throughout Newark. Grades K & 1 colored a smile. These amazing pictures were delivered to Color A Smile, which is a nonprofit organization that distributes cheerful drawings to senior citizens, our troops overseas, and anyone in need of a smile. Finally, Watchung set up a school-wide food donation drive, and all donated food was delivered to Toni’s Kitchen.
“Our school’s MLK Jr. event, one of the most influential traditions in our community, was a meaningful tribute to Dr. King as students participated in service stations that highlighted the power of giving back,” said Bradford Principal Dr. Frances Aboushi. Activities included assembling toiletry kits for the YMCA Geyer and S.O.F.I.A, writing letters of gratitude to those who keep us safe (like crossing guards, police, firefighters, custodians, and teachers), creating encouragement kits for displaced children, and preparing snack bags and sandwiches for Toni’s Kitchen. Students also designed river rocks with messages of love and peace, embodying Dr. King’s vision of kindness and unity. These activities taught students the impact their small actions can have on their community. “A heartfelt thank you to Ms. Tamasco, Ms. Asaro, Mr. Keys, Ms. Rippeteau, and all the amazing parent volunteers who supervised stations, helped with setup, and delivered the goods to various organizations,” she added. “A special shout out to families who supported the Amazon donation lists; at times it takes a community to teach about community.”
While all district activities were canceled due to the weather,
Buzz Aldrin Middle School is incorporating service activities throughout the remainder of the month.
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. once said, “Life’s most persistent and urgent question is: What are you doing for others?” Students at
Glenfield had the special opportunity to participate in a MLK Jr. Day of Service “Be a School Steward” writing project. They were tasked with writing a letter to the students in the grade below, giving them advice on how to be good stewards of the school. This served as a chance to lead by example and inspire younger students to take care of the school and one another. Each student shared advice on being good stewards of the school, like keeping the school clean, being kind and respectful, and including others. In the letter, students were directed to connect their advice to Dr. King’s message of service and making a positive difference.
Both
Charles H. Bullock School and
Renaissance schools had exciting MLK activities and celebrations planned but were also cancelled due to the snowstorm. They are hoping to reschedule or incorporate what was planned to honor the legacy of Dr. King, Jr.