Richland One Schools Celebrate Black History Month

Richland One schools will celebrate African-American history and culture in a variety of ways in February, Black History Month.

* Hand Middle School
Guests, including Governor Mark Sanford and former Governor Jim Hodges, will read the works of African- American writers to students at 9 a.m. on February 1. Throughout the month, the school will host African-American history trivia contests and poetry/monologue competitions. The highlight of the month will be an assembly on February 26 which includes monologues written by students.

* Pine Grove Elementary School
Activities include a Pine Grove Ball (Feb. 5), Black History Program (Feb. 10 at 9 a.m.) and a spelling bee (Feb. 18, 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.) with judges from the SC Commission on Higher Education.

* Alcorn Middle School, Extended-Day Program
The literary masterpieces of black authors, writers and illustrators will be celebrated by students in Alcorn Middle School’s after-school program at the African American Read-in 4- 6 p.m. February 8 - 12. Guest readers include members of the Men Unified In Christ, a faith-based community agency.

* Satchel Ford Elementary School
Throughout the month, trivia contests will test student’s knowledge of Black history. A Taste of Soul teachers’ luncheon will be held February 10. A special assembly, including performances by the steel drum band and essay contest winners, will be held on February 26 at 8:45 a.m.

* Sanders Middle School
Sanders students will participate in an oratorical contest on February 16 at 2 p.m. and a Black History Month program on February 23 at 9 a.m.

* Columbia High School
A month of celebrations at Columbia High School include African-American trivia contests, lunchtime poetry performances (Feb. 17), a read-in (Feb. 23) and a musical tribute assembly (February 25). Throughout the month Gullah historian Donald Sweeper will enthrall students with his presentation "Exploring our Gullah Roots."

* Logan Elementary School
Music for the Soul, a Black history program, will be held February 25 at 1 p.m.

* Southeast Middle School
Students at Southeast Middle School will be tracing their family lines and bringing in the oldest members of their families to a special program to be held at the end of the month (date/time TBA).

* Arden Elementary School
Each grade at Arden Elementary School will conduct special projects this month. The pre-kindergarten class will learn about South Carolina artist Jonathan Green and create their own artwork. First graders will conduct research on African-American inventors Benjamin Banneker (America’s 1st clock), George Crum (potato chips) and Madam C.J. Walker (hair growing lotion).

Second and third grade classes will prepare reports, visual presentations and booklets on famous African Americans. After reading the book Freedom Train, the entire fourth grade will attend a play at the Koger Center based on the book. In addition to preparing research papers and essays, fifth graders will perform Poetry Breaks throughout the school. Art classes will research African-American artists and reconstruct examples of their work.

* Caughman Road Elementary School
Sat., Feb. 6 at 1:30 p.m.:  Caughman Road Elementary School art teacher Seitu Amenwahsu will teach an Afrikan Mask Making Workshop in conjunction with the Pan Afrikan Film Festival at the Columbia Museum of Art, Children's Gallery, 1515 Main St.

* Webber Elementary School:
Feb. 22 -Military Read-in: Members of the military will read African-American poetry, short stories, etc. to students.
Feb. 23 -- Career Focus:  Lower Richland business and professional leaders will share their accomplishments with students.
Feb. 24 -- History Focus:  Senior citizens will be invited to share their life experiences and reflections with students
Feb. 25-- Culture/Heritage Focus: Accomplishments of great African-American leaders will be emphasized
Feb. 26--  African Food Tasting Party during lunch

* Challenger Learning Center for Space Science Education
The Challenger Learning Center will pay tribute to South Carolina’s African American astronauts Major General Charles Bolden Jr., Dr. Ronald Mc Nair, Dr. Mae Jamison and the Tuskegee Airmen. Visitors will have the opportunity to take an educational tour of the life and legacies of these awesome pioneers. The exhibits include childhood, family and autographed photos and artifacts detailing their contributions to science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. To schedule an educational tour, please contact the Challenger Learning Center at (803) 929-3951.

* Sandel Elementary School
A school assembly is planned for February 18 at 9 a.m. Gullah storyteller, educator, historian and actress Aunt Pearlie Sue will perform at 1 p.m. on February 22. Visitors can enjoy a delightful dinner theater production on February 26 as a fourth-grade class performs Addy Learns a Lesson. Dinner begins at 5:30 p.m. and the play starts at 6:30 p.m.

* H. B. Rhame Elementary School
Gullah storyteller Aunt Pearlie Sue will share her tales of African-American history with students on February 23 at 9 a.m. The plight of the homeless will be remembered during a Soup Supper celebration on February 25 at 5:45 p.m. Students will collect socks, wash cloths and other personal items that will be donated to local homeless shelters.

* A.C. Flora High School
Let the celebration begin! Before enjoying a delicious soul food breakfast, A.C. Flora High School students will perform skits and various readings remembering famous African Americans on February 24 at 8:30 a.m.

For more information please contact the Richland One Office of Communications at 231-7504 or 231-7510.

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