On Friday, Manchester Township Middle School (MTMS) welcomed Michele Blask, a volunteer speaker from the New Jersey Commission on Holocaust Education. A former middle school English Language Arts teacher and the daughter of two Holocaust survivors, Mrs. Blask shared with Manchester’s students her parents’ experiences during the Holocaust and the lasting impact on their family.
Mrs. Blask tells a powerful story that compares her parents’ different paths during this period in history. Her father escaped Germany in 1935, while her mother remained behind and was deported from Transylvania in 1944. She discusses her mother’s concentration camp experience in an age-appropriate manner and continues with her parents’ post war recovery and the intergenerational effects of trauma.
In preparation for the visit, Social Studies classes across all grade levels participated in introductory Holocaust lessons, including instruction supported by a graphic novel generously donated by the PTA. Following the presentation, students completed a reflective writing prompt in their Social Studies classes.
Selected students were invited to participate in a special Presenter Lunch and Q and A session with Mrs. Blask. Together with an MTMS school counselor, students had a wonderful discussion with Mrs. Blask over pizza, delving more into the essays they wrote for their social studies class and learning about her life experiences as they related to their history lessons.
This presentation offered MTMS a meaningful opportunity to connect historical learning with real-life lessons. In addition to building historical understanding, on the heels of National SEL Day, students explored important social-emotional themes such as kindness, empathy, bullying, and responsibility. The overall goal was achieved by helping students understand the relevance of the Holocaust today and the importance of compassion and respect for others.