Third-graders showcase 'wax museum' as superintendent outlines budget roadshows and programs

Third-grade students presented short, first-person 'wax museum' speeches at the Moreland School District board meeting, and district leaders used the occasion to highlight outreach and programs tied to the coming budget cycle.

The presentations opened the meeting. Unidentified Speaker 1 invited the students to the front of the room and asked each to introduce themselves and the historical figure they were portraying. Several students spoke in first person; one introduced herself as "Coco Hontes" and described her portrayal as a "Native American peacemaker," while other students took on figures including Pocahontas, Alex Morgan, Mahatma Gandhi and Cleopatra.

The superintendent (Speaker 5) framed the student presentations as part of the district’s community engagement, then delivered the superintendent’s report. "Last week, we started our budget roadshows at each of the school sites," the superintendent said, describing the district's effort to explain how the governor's proposed budget could affect Moreland and noting virtual options for staff. The superintendent also said remaining roadshow visits are scheduled at Country Lane and Baker schools and that staff presented at the MEF meeting and president’s council.

The superintendent highlighted programming for February, saying Moreland Middle School’s counseling team is hosting an art and poetry expo for Black History Month and encouraging the public to view student work throughout the month. The report also described a small-group reading institute at Latimer focused on phonemic awareness and phonics, led by staff developers from an external literacy provider and attended by teachers from neighboring districts.

Extracurricular activities were noted as well: the superintendent said 186 student musicians from district elementary and middle schools joined Prospect High School for a joint performance. The superintendent thanked Manny Barbera for securing free Super Bowl–related tickets for some Moreland students.

On funding and community support, the superintendent said the Moreland Education Foundation announced 10 spring enrichment grants totaling $7,500 and reminded the community about the MEF 5K on March 28 with registration at mefhome.org. A district board member (Unidentified Speaker 6) praised the students and told them, "It's the favorite part of these meetings for me," and other board members thanked teachers and parents for supporting student participation.

The meeting then moved into the board's business agenda, with the superintendent and board members continuing questions about the budget roadshows and recruitment for volunteer roles.

The board adjourned after completing its agenda; a district representative noted there is one week off for February break.