ERIE'S PUBLIC SCHOOLS

Throughout the month of February, students across the district will be learning about the achievements, contributions and efforts of African Americans to the fields of language and literature, arts and music, and science, technology and health. This week, Feb. 21-25, we're focusing on achievements or accomplishments in the arts.

Jefferson Elementary School

Mrs. Marnella's kindergarten class was jazzed to learn about Duke Ellington, American composer, pianist and orchestra leader. The students listened to some of Ellington's music in Ms. Struble's music class and also read a book about Ellington and his accomplishments.

Erie High School

Our very own Maurice Troop, assistant principal at Erie High, has been adding to the music industry in the tri-state area for nearly twenty years. Troop formed "The Breeze Band", a seven-member soul, R/B, and Motown band well known for delivering high energy, fun shows that keep the crowd dancing. Troop is joined in the band by Tim Cook, Pam Davis, Rasia Crockett, Kevin Sapper, Clarence Jennings Jr.,and Kenny Hollis.

Troop is also a member of Erie City Council.

Lincoln Elementary School

First-grade students learned about the life and work of African American artist Alma Woodsey Thomas.  They created abstract colorful paintings inspired by Thomas' famous paintings.

Edison Elementary School

Edison students listened to the lyrics of Louis Armstrong's “What a Wonderful World” three times before choosing the detail that was most exciting to illustrate.

I see trees of green, red roses too

I see them bloom for me and you

And I think to myself what a wonderful world.

I see skies of blue and clouds of white

The bright blessed day, the dark sacred night

And I think to myself what a wonderful world.

The colors of the rainbow so pretty in the sky

Are also on the faces of people going by

I see friends shaking hands saying how do you do

They're really saying I love you.

I hear babies crying, I watch them grow

They'll learn much more than I'll never know

And I think to myself what a wonderful world

Yes I think to myself what a wonderful world.

Grover Cleveland Elementary School

Mrs. Beloga's second graders read and discussed "Sweet Clara and the Freedom Quilt'  by Deborah Hopkins before making a quilt of their own. Each student contributed a square to the quilt, which is now on display in a school hallway.  

Strong Vincent Middle School

Students in Mr. TeCulver's chorus class were introduced to A Movement for Rosa, an incredible musical work honoring the late Rosa Parks.  A Movement for Rosa was commissioned by the Florida Bandmasters Association honoring the civil rights heroine, Rosa Parks.  The sections of the movement reflect her early years, racial strife in Montgomery, Alabama and the quest for social equity.

Pfeiffer-Burleigh Elementary School

Ms. Smerkar's students had just finished a unit on the Renaissance, so when they started studying the creativity and contributions of Black artists, they turned to a natural candidate: Kehinde Wiley, an African American artist inspired by Renaissance art. Students read an article about Wiley before researching his artwork.

Patrick J. DiPaolo Student Success Center

High school students in our Sanctuary Based Learning Program (SBLP, in partnership with Sarah A. Reed Children's Center) learned about one of the greatest Black artists of our time, Jean-Michel Basquiat. Students participated in a class discussion, watched a short video about Basquiat, and viewed a Google Slides presentation detailing Basquiat's work. Students reviewed symbolism and meaning through a deep analysis of Basquiat's work, and then created their own Basquiat-style artworks using crayons and acrylic paint.

McKinley Elementary School

Mrs. McManus' class explored African American artists, including Alma Woodsey Thomas, and created artwork in her unique style. Mrs. Howe's music class, meanwhile, researched the great Bill Withers and Lean on Me.

East Middle School 

East Middle School's "Singing Ambassadors" showing off the vintage East High choir robes! The students have been learning the civil rights anthem Lift Every Voice and Sing and learning about the composers and significance of the song during Black History Month. The students are looking forward to creating a mini-documentary featuring the ambassadors singing the song.

Diehl Elementary School

The Black History Month Wall of Fame at Diehl Elementary School is a work of art. Check out some of the amazing historical figures featured!

Harding Elementary School

Mrs. Lester's Kindergarten class learned about artist Alma Woodsey Thomas and musician Louis Armstrong and created their own beautiful artwork representing both African Americans in a style emulating Ms. Thomas. Meanwhile, Mrs. Rios's third-grade class read "Trombone Shorty," a story about musician Troy Andrews, and worked together to create a hallway display.

Wilson Middle School

Is your mouth watering? Family and Consumer Science classes at Wilson Middle School are diving into the culinary arts this week, working on a History of Soul Food lesson where they research and prepare traditional soul food and create an informational poster on their dish. 

Perry Elementary School

Fifth grade art students have been focused on portraiture and famous African American artists, as displayed on a bulletin board.