Rockland High students bring history to life with projects, salon and state‑house visit

Greg Row, history department chair at Rockland High School, told the School Committee that the department has shifted from memorization to student‑centered work that emphasizes skills such as communication, critical thinking and problem solving.

"With information at students' fingertips, it's much more important now how to use that information," Row said, introducing examples from ninth and 10th grade projects.

Student Alice Alivera presented her research on the abolition of slavery in Brazil, explaining that Brazil abolished slavery in 1888 and that the government initially failed to provide housing or protections for formerly enslaved people, contributing to concentrated settlements now known as favelas. Alice said later constitutional reforms (1988) addressed anti‑racism laws and helped improve recognition of Afro‑Brazilian history.

AP European students described an 'Enlightenment Salon' in which classmates portrayed thinkers such as Locke, Hume and Adam Smith and discussed core ideas in period costume. Teacher Cara Frasier said the activity grew after a REF grant allowed the department to assemble a classroom set of costumes and said the project makes complex ideas more accessible to students.

Row also noted that classes attended a State House ceremony commemorating Sept. 11 and that the department will host a Holocaust presenter to share family experiences with students. Committee members thanked students and staff for the presentations.

The presentation was informational; the committee offered praise and no formal action was required.