Walden third-graders stage immigration-themed 'Wax Museum' during board's 'What's Good in 109' segment

During the board meeting's "What's Good in 109" segment on Feb. 13, Walden Elementary third-graders performed an immigration-themed "Wax Museum" project developed as part of a migration-and-movement unit.

Catarina Schroeder, District 109 communications specialist, introduced the presentation and noted several district highlights in the segment, including the Caruso eighth-grade basketball team's conference championship and IESA regional championship, early learners' "When I Grow Up" activities, a Shepherd sixth-grade Spanish class visit and Wilmot Elementary's talent show. Schroeder then welcomed the Walden third-grade students and explained how the Wax Museum is organized: third graders interviewed family members, researched the first family immigrant, and presented short narratives (some fictionalized to fill gaps where family details were unknown). Teachers and students used push-button placards so attendees could hear students' recorded narratives during their three- or four-minute displays.

Walden teacher Miss Blanco described the unit's origins and said the project allows students to connect curriculum to their families' histories. Board members complimented the students' presentations and the level of personal connection the project produced. Students were photographed with board members at the conclusion of the segment.

Ending: The district will continue sharing classroom and school highlights in future "What's Good in 109" segments; the Wax Museum is scheduled for public presentation at Walden next week per staff remarks (exact public date not specified).