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MCPS schools mark Black History Month with local history, classroom projects
Summary
The curriculum office reported on Black History Month activities that emphasized local history, classroom research projects, guest speakers and school-level events linking labor themes to students' learning.
The Montgomery County Public Schools social-studies office reported that Black History Month activities across the division focused on classroom lessons, local history and community connections tied to this year’s national theme of African Americans and labor.
David Dickinson, administrator for social studies and world languages, said teachers used age-appropriate lessons such as one-page research projects at Harding Avenue Elementary, school-wide announcements and contests, guest speakers and local partnerships. Dickinson noted that Christiansburg Institute representatives spoke to high-school juniors about the Christiansburg Industrial Institute, a local school that educated Black students from 1866 to 1966, and that Auburn Middle School used creative staff videos and student activities to center the month’s learning.
Dickinson said teachers emphasized literacy, STEM connections and civic engagement through examples of Black scientists, artists and civic leaders. He said despite weather interruptions that closed school days in February, schools adapted their planned activities and the division sought to make local connections whenever possible.
Board members commended staff for local partnerships and student engagement; trustees noted the historical and civic value of linking local Black history to classroom lessons. Dickinson closed by noting that March is Women’s History Month and that teachers had been supplied resources for that observance as well.
