Math Department
In the Math Department, students learn about the inspiring mathematician John Urschel, a former NFL player whose field of study is graph theory. Students are introduced to this discrete math topic by exploring networks and connections, including the Urschel–Zikatanov Theorem, which explains how the structure of a network affects how it functions. Using a network map involving roads, students see how mathematics applies to real life beyond the classroom while celebrating Black excellence in STEM.
https://acrobat.adobe.com/id/urn:aaid:sc:VA6C2:dff59a09-6cfd-4ea3-a11a-8e32021f33ab 

Science Department
The science department will have scientists up on our bulletin board for Black History Month. 

Instructional Technology
TV- Students are currently finishing a student taught digital video effects project this week, for which they will then utilize the effects learned from their peers to create a 1-minute mini doc about a BHM relevant Director, Producer, Editor, Crew member, etc. The project will take up the entirety of February as it goes through planning and post. 

In the second semester, Radio classes will be doing a "Black History Month Voiceover" project. Each student will take a BHM relevant person, group, place, event, etc., research it, take three points or a summary and record it as an informational voiceover.

Visual & Performing Arts
Curricular/Extra-Curricular Programming
Students are engaging in the following:
•    Exploring the artwork of local and internationally recognized Black artists/performers.
•    Performing and experiencing works from Black artists, composers, and performers.
•    Studying the artwork and techniques of Black visual artists and graphic designers.
•    Cultivating self-expression and student voice through these explorations.
•    Examining social justice and equity issues such as the Black Lives Matter movement and civil rights movements through art and student-created performances/artworks.
•    Allowing room in the classroom structure for student-led exploration and student-introduced content.
Teacher Resources
Resources are provided every Friday to our VPA team through our department weekly newsletter - and the work of the whole department is spotlighted and shared for inspiration and ideas. Throughout February - Black History resources and focus on artists, musicians, dancers, and actors/actresses will be shared with the whole team for classroom and personal exploration. Additionally, teachers have access to our Inclusive Resource Bank throughout the year. 
These curricular elements are deeply situated in our curricular planning, practice, and standards - and we look forward to celebrating Black History this February, and all year long.
I will be sure to share photos of displays, performances, and events as they occur throughout the month.
College Career & Personal Guidance
The bulletin boards on the stairwell in the Anthony Building will display Black History Month.
Social Studies Department
Please see below for some samples and posters we have in the Social Studies classrooms. Garin Hilton, AP African American Study group is setting up bulletin boards.

More PHS Black History Month Curriculum
 

Conackamack

Black History Month assembly on Feb. 20

Spanish classes will work on research on AfroLatinos.

In 8th Gr SS, for Black History Month Students will be having a “Story Time” of Six Lesser Known Black figures in history

• Bass Reeves
• Bessie Coleman
• The Harlem Hellfighters
• Paul Robeson
• Bayard Rustin
• Sidney Poitier

The purpose of this lesson is for students to get a chance to see the ways history and America in general has been shaped by African Americans that don’t usually get the spotlight or recognition they deserve. Students will discuss each of these figures/groups and their impact on America. Students will answer questions based on this discussion and research

7th grade Social Studies have led into Black History Month with an exploration of a moment in Dr. Martin Luther King’s career. Students listened to an excerpt of King’s “Mountaintop Speech”, his last public speech, delivered on the eve of his assassination. Students received an overview of the historical context of the speech. After listening, they reflected in writing on their response to this emotionally and intellectually challenging moment in American History, and the prescient metaphors offered by King within the speech itself.
 
7th Gr SS-A Black History exploration of our “Lesser-Told Stories” Themed projects. Students will choose from a wide range of lesser-known and discussed people, moments, and movements from Black History. Students will conduct research on the topics they chose, compose writing and choose creative outlets to express their inspiration from their topics.
 
This continues a pattern of exploring “lesser-told stories” from various backgrounds that we began with Hispanic Heritage Month and plan to revisit at several more points before the school year’s end. The purpose of the theme is to expand our understanding of various backgrounds and diverse contributions to our shared life, while going beyond the most cited examples, adding richness and complexity to our understanding of our own backgrounds and those of our peers.
 
6th graders in SS will be researching African Americans in the American Revolution. They will choose one individual and create a slideshow talking about the individual and his/her impact on our country and the revolution. Presentations will be shared in class.
 
In the 8th grade SS, we will be continuing our Medieval Africa unit focusing on the impact Africa had on the global economy. We will continue our discussions on the colonization of Africa and the impact slavery had on Africa. In honor of BHM specifically, students will choose an event or person involved in the Civil Rights Movement to research and will be tasked with creating a “movie trailer” showing this event. This project will have a brief oral presentation piece in which they share information about the event with the class as well.
 
7th grade science we will be creating a Periodic Table of Black Excellence.  This project allows students to use visual arts to create a periodic table of Black scientists while researching their contributions to chemistry, physics, medicine, and engineering. Students can work independently or with groups to research, present, and express their artistic side while learning about Black history.
 
Another 7th grade SS unit, teach a mini-unit on the Harlem Renaissance.  Students will explore literature, poetry, politics, art, music, and fashion.

Counseling will showcase Black athletes and business owners via videos, and reflection/active guidance lessons.

Quibbletown

NAACP Overachievers Celebration: February 18th @ 6pm.

Whole School - Door Decorating

• Moments and milestones
• Juneteenth
• Emancipation Proclamation
• Marches

Wall Quotes

We must never forget that Black History is American History. The achievements of African Americans have contributed to our nation’s greatness.” – Yvette Clarke

“It isn’t where you come from; it’s where you’re going that counts.” – Ella Fitzgerald

“If there is no struggle, there is no progress.” – Frederick Douglass

Organizations/institutions - NAACP/HBCU/Authors/Inventors

Whole School - The Power of Words: Lessons in Debate, Justice, and Civic Courage from The Great Debaters The Great Debaters is more than a film about a debate team—it’s a narrative of resilience, intellect, and the moral imperative to confront injustice. Set in 1935 in Jim Crow-era Texas, the film offers a powerful platform to explore the intersection of rhetoric, history, and civic action. Through the lens of the Wiley College debate team, students examine how young African Americans used the power of argument to challenge deeply entrenched systems of racial injustice. As our current world continues to confront polarization, misinformation, and systemic inequities, learning the art of debate becomes not just academically enriching, but culturally and politically necessary.

Morning Messages, Parent Square Messages

Quibbletown Classroom Activities

Schor
ELA:
Students will read a range of texts by African American authors that explore the African American experience. These works highlight how risk-taking has historically been necessary for survival, progress, and resistance. Through these selections, students will examine themes of perseverance, resilience, and overcoming obstacles in the pursuit of a better life for individuals and their communities.

Social studies:
Students will participate in an inquiry-based research project examining the lives and contributions of African American inventors. Students will analyze historical sources to understand the impact of innovation within broader social and historical contexts. The project culminates in student-created presentations that build research, critical thinking, and communication skills.

Accelerated Art:
Students will analyze the work of prominent Black artists across history, examining their techniques, themes, and influence on contemporary media. Students will demonstrate their learning through a short presentation highlighting an artist and their contributions.

World Language
Students will engage in an activity that includes short video biographies and brief descriptions of notable Afro-Latinos. Class discussions will focus on challenging stereotypes, correcting misconceptions, and highlighting the diversity within Afro-Latino communities.

Arbor

Students are taking famous quotes from notable figures in African American history and use digital media, sketching, coloring, or any other medium they choose to create artwork. They will use this for a school-wide “Quote Wall” project where the student body will display their artwork to line the wall throughout the month in honor of Black History Month.

Classroom lessons that teachers have done throughout the year highlighting important historical figures, such as research projects that students will deliver orally to guests at the end of the month.

M.L. King

Teacher collaborative resources are made available in the “King DEI Resources” Schoology Group.   Various folders include influential speeches, videos, and lessons to facilitate related to all subject areas. 

“Akeelah and the Bee” School-wide Event – 4th grade students will view the film “Akeelah and the Bee.”  From there, MLK will connect with the film through the facilitation of classroom Spelling Bees, culminating in a final school wide Spelling Bee finals.

Media Center will display fiction and nonfiction books relating to Black History Month.

Morning announcements centered on notable Black History achievement/persons.

Across the School (see more specific details below):
Black History Month Research Projects
EPIC Black History Month Collection online
Black History Month related stories incorporated into Literacy

Specific Classrooms and Clubs

5th Grade Band and Orchestra students will be attending Les Ballets Africains at the State Theatre of New Jersey in late February. Les Ballets Africains was named the cultural ambassadors to Guinea and celebrates Africa’s rich culture through storytelling, music, and dance. - Dr. Elisabeth Sato and Mr. Steven Plesnarski

5th Grade Literacy/Social Studies (Rm. 17-18) During the first week of February, we will research leaders, heroes, and significant figures in history to celebrate Black History Month. Students will have access to books, EPIC collections, and teacher-generated lists of appropriate websites to gather information. Together, we will work on a bulletin board to celebrate the month. I will have several picture books, informational texts, and novels displayed around my classroom to celebrate the month as well (about significant people, written by black authors, etc.) Oh, I’ll probably sing songs on guitar Friday by famous Black musicians and artists :) - Mary Horvath

Black  History Month Epic Collection (Shared with Grade 4 SS and ELA teachers) 
Martin Luther King Jr Epic Collection (Shared with Grade 4 SS and ELA teachers)

Mentor Texts Grade 4: Henry’s Freedom Box, The Other Side, Freedom on the Menu, Teammates, The Oldest Student How Mary Walker Learned to Read… Stories will be read, discussed and analyzed.

4th grade (Rooms 36 & 37) will go onto Epic and locate the Black History Collection. Throughout the month, students will read books from this collection and enter them into a bingo board. They will add dates read and an interesting fact/detail to each box.  

Digital Literacy: Students will be introduced to various innovators and influential people in technology. 

During WIN time: Weekly Readings, Videos, Read Alouds of African Americans in the fields of either math. science, engineering, inventing.-M. McCarthy

Physical Education: 4th grade students will be introduced to Jackie Robinson with a reading passage, followed by a question/answer portion, ending with a video. 5th grade students will be introduced to Jesse Owens with a reading passage, followed by a question/answer portion, ending with a video.

4th/5th grade (Room 22) Bal - During social studies, students will listen/read the story, A Big Day in Baseball. This is part of the Magic Treehouse series. In this story, the main characters travel back in time and they get to experience Jackie Robinson’s first baseball game. After each chapter, students will complete various activities for comprehension and vocabulary. 

4th grade (Rooms 3/5) - Each morning, we will read a short biography of an influential African American. The accompanying slides will feature a quote, an illustration, music, or a short video highlighting the individual’s accomplishments. During WIN reading time, students will be encouraged to choose a book from our classroom collection of biographies of notable Black Americans. An additional digital collection will also be available on Epic.

5th grade (Rooms 12/13) - Living History Museum- For Social Studies, we will research notable African American men and women who have made significant contributions to society.  We will then present a “Living History Museum” in late February, where children will dress up as the person they have chosen to research, and teach museum goers about themselves.  

Eisenhower

K
Read alouds and short videos about famous black individuals in education with follow-up writing activities; including but not limited to- Ruby Bridges, Booker T Washington, Mary McLeod Bethune

1^st
Students will read a variety of Scholastic News articles, books, and watch short video clips about Martin Luther King, Jr. and other famous African Americans.
2^nd
Students will complete a project on a Famous African American and present their project in a “2nd Grade Gallery Walk” to be held during the month of February.
3rd
Weekly slideshow highlighting different people.

We also use this slideshow.

Music:  Jazz is a style of music that was created by black musicians in the early part of the twentieth century. Jazz music has very strong rhythms and often involves improvisation. It has largely influenced the music we currently listen to including rock music. 

We will be listening to jazz music, exploring the different styles and touching on a few jazz musicians/composers of color. ​​​

World Language: learn about Afro-Mexican culture to celebrate Black History Month. We’ll explore the unique traditions, family life, and customs that make up the rich heritage of Afro-Mexicans.

Grandview

During Black History Month and in recognition of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Grandview Elementary students engaged in meaningful learning experiences across grade levels and special areas that celebrated Black history, culture, and contributions.

In honor of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. our youngest learners explored his legacy through reading about his life and his pursuit to achieve equal rights for all. Students took part in classroom activities, crafts and social- emotional learning projects. Kindergarten students will be learning about influential civil rights leaders, inventors, and artists. We are especially excited to highlight two young heroes who sparked national change.  To demonstrate that anyone—regardless of age—can have a positive impact, we are focusing on two children who embodied "Grandview Greatness": Ron McNair and Ruby Bridges. Through the book Ron’s Big Mission and the story of Ruby’s bravery, students will see how they have the power to change the world.

To recognize Black History Month, the Grandview First Grade classes will begin the month by viewing a video, “Black History Month for Kids” to understand the significance of the month.  In addition, we will discuss famous African American quotes and read biographies about various African Americans throughout the month.  Also, we will have class conversations relating to the quotes and books, along with discussing how we can make the world a better place.

Second grade students participated in focused lessons on Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., including read-alouds, videos, articles, directed drawings, and writing about their own dreams. To further honor Black History Month, second graders are completing a take-home research project on a Black American figure of their choice, which they will present to their classmates, along with reflecting on impactful quotes and their influence on history.

Grandview Third Grade students will explore concepts of diversity and inclusion during Black History Month. Teachers have curated a collection of materials, using various digital and print sources, for students to explore and identify the important contributions of Black/African Americans to American culture. By participating in these activities, students will learn that Black History is American History and become advocates for racial justice and equality.

In Music, students explored the rich history of African American musical styles. Kindergarten and first grade learned about the Blues through movement and song, while grades two and three studied Ragtime and composer Scott Joplin, listening to The Entertainer and discovering connections to Jazz music.

In Art, students celebrated the work of acclaimed author and illustrator Ashley Bryan. Inspired by his book Beautiful Blackbird, students created illustrations while discussing themes of self-acceptance, individuality, and pride in one’s unique features.
Through Digital Literacy, students learned about influential Black innovators in computer science and STEM, including Annie Easley, Clarence Ellis, Dorothy Vaughan, Evelyn Granville, and Jerry Lawson. Classes discussed how these trailblazers shaped modern technology and how students can be inspired to innovate and explore STEM fields themselves.

In Physical Education, students learned about the life and legacy of Jackie Robinson and his role in breaking the color barrier in professional sports. Classes also viewed age-appropriate videos, discussed powerful quotes from African American leaders, and read biographies that encouraged conversations about fairness, courage, and making the world a better place.

These experiences helped students build understanding, appreciation, and respect while honoring the lasting impact of Black leaders, artists, innovators, and change-makers
 

Knollwood

Kindergarten:
Knollwood Kindergarteners are celebrating Black History Month by exploring the lives of Black leaders like Dr. Marting Luther King, Jr. and President Barack Obama. Students will also explore the influence of Black artists and poets, participating in several hands-on art projects, including making colorful "Alma’s Stripes" inspired by Alma Thomas and designing their own crowns in the style of Jean-Michel Basquiat. They will also explore the magic of words by reading poetry by Langston Hughes. 
First Grade:
Throughout the month of February, first graders are exploring the vital role African Americans have played in shaping U.S. history through important contributions to arts and sciences, civil rights, and education. By reading biographies of heroes like Harriet Tubman, Jesse Owens, and Rosa Parks, students will learn how these individuals led the struggle for freedom and equality over many decades. From the bravery of Harriet Tubman, Jackie Robinson, and Rosa Parks to the leadership or Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Barack Obama, students will discover how each of these icons made a lasting impact that continues to inspire us today. 
Second Grade:
To celebrate Black History Month, second grade students will participate in a variety of learning activities to explore important figures in the areas of Civil Rights, Education, the Arts, and Science.  Classes recently learned more about the life, accomplishments, and influence of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., culminating in hallway bulletin board displays about how to make our society a more peaceful place.  Students will further historical and present-day figures using Read Alouds, Scholastic News, educational videos, and weekly close reading passages during Social Studies, with a focus class-wide discussions on their individual accomplishments, trials and tribulations, and their lasting impact on society.
Third Grade:
Through biographical texts, Scholastic News articles, Nearpod lessons, and informational videos, students will learn about and discuss a wide range of African American individuals who have made an impact on our society. Some classes will focus on important speeches made by influential figures while others will create “Biographies in a Bag”, where students will identify a prominent African American from the past or present, decorate paper bags with images and facts, fill them with representative items relating to their subject, and present their projects to the class.

Randolphville
K
Kamdar - Kindergarten will be “meeting” and learning about different people each week. We will be reading stories, doing activities, watching videos, and creating meaningful crafts to showcase what we’ve learned. Pictures to follow! 
1st grade
Alex – I am planning to do a lesson on Mae Jemison next week. We are going to be reading about her and writing a paragraph about her to go with our theme in Open Court. We are also going to be "astronauts" and launching paper rockets. We will be measuring how far our rockets go and sharing what factors contributed to our rockets going further.
Fugaro –For our buddy activity this month, Ms. Fugaro’s 1st grade class and my 3rd grade class (Abdelmonem) made a collaborative mural of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. We learned about his life and legacy and the important message he left for us.
2nd grade
Toke - Students will be researching black americans on Epic books with a teacher made library (Bubnick).  Students will complete a biography page indicating achievements and as well as important events in the person's life.  
3rd grade
Olsen – In celebration of Black History Month, students will be assigned weekly reading passages that focus on notable African Americans. Students will also select a famous African American to research for a hexagon project. This project will require students to research the person’s childhood, adult life, and accomplishments. Students will participate in a gallery walk, so they can learn about multiple people.
Petella – For Black History Month students will be completing a research project where they choose an influential Black American from a pre-selected list. They will be researching all about the person... when they were born, where they grew up, 3 significant life events, their person's achievements, why their person matters, and a famous quote. This will be displayed in the hallway. 
Students also participated in a discussion about what BHM is and why we celebrate it. Students were then given 3 different questions and asked to respond to one. The questions were: "Why is it important to celebrate Black History Month?" "Why does Black history matter?" and "What does Black History Month mean to you?". This is displayed on a bulletin board in the hallway that also includes photos and short biographies of influential Black Americans... both historical and current.
Abdelmonem – For our buddy activity this month, Ms. Fugaro’s 1st grade class and my 3rd grade class made a collaborative mural of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. We learned about his life and legacy and the important message he left for us.
Art
McGinnis –I am going to be doing a paper quilt inspired by Faith Ringgold. We will read the story “Tar Beach.” Each student will draw themselves flying over their favorite place. I will put all the students work together to create the final piece. I don’t start this project until the second week of February though.
Physical Education
Highlighting African American athletes

Children’s Corner Preschool celebrates Black History Month throughout February with developmentally appropriate lessons and experiences that help young learners explore identity, diversity, community, and perseverance. Through engaging read-alouds, classroom discussions, and hands-on activities, students learn about the cultural and historical contributions of African Americans in ways that are meaningful at the preschool level.
 
Classroom lessons will include interactive read-alouds, discussions, and hands-on activities centered on high-quality children’s literature such as Brown Boy Joy by Thomishia Booker, Love Makes a Family by Sophie Beer, and I Got the Rhythm by Connie Schofield-Morrison. These texts support conversations about belonging, joy, creativity, and family, while helping children appreciate differences and commonalities among people.
 
In addition, students will be introduced to the historical and cultural contributions of African Americans who have shaped our nation.
As a culminating experience, each classroom will participate in the creation of a school-wide Black History Museum. Students will work to create artwork, artifacts, or simple representations inspired by a chosen theme or influential Black figure. Student work will be displayed throughout the school to promote shared learning and schoolwide celebration.To extend engagement beyond the classroom, a virtual version of the Black History Museum will be created and shared with families and the broader school community, allowing students to take pride in their learning and giving families insight into the instructional work taking place.