This week, our school community came together to honor, reflect on, and celebrate Juneteenth (June 19th). This historic day marks the moment in 1865 when the news of emancipation reached the last enslaved Black Americans in Galveston, Texas, signaling the true end of slavery in the United States.
Juneteenth is a celebration of freedom, resilience, and Black culture. Introducing this history to our students is a wonderful way to honor the past while deepening our ongoing commitment to creating an inclusive, welcoming environment for everyone. Because learning about our shared history helps us grow together, our students spent the day engaged in meaningful, hands-on activities that emphasized freedom, equality, and unity.
Our classrooms came alive with interactive lessons designed to build empathy and historical awareness. MTES Media Specialist, Laura Henry, curated a beautiful selection of library books focusing on themes of equality, justice, and community. She also hosted a special read-aloud event, bringing these powerful stories to life for our students. Our second graders engaged in dynamic visual storytelling to understand the significance and joy of this special day. Fourth graders took a deep dive into history using an interactive Nearpod lesson. Students analyzed primary sources, challenged themselves with trivia, and discussed the lasting legacy of Juneteenth.
