Grade 7: DC Trip Inspires Reflection
This week, seventh graders shared their “Sacred Spaces” assignment, a very personal reflection on the experiences that impacted them on their recent trip to Washington, DC. Each presentation was unique in topic, style and presentation, lending to an impressive three days of demonstrated learning.
This week, seventh graders shared their “Sacred Spaces” assignment, a very personal reflection on the experiences that impacted them on their recent trip to Washington, DC. Each presentation was unique in topic, style and presentation, lending to an impressive three days of demonstrated learning.
Back
Emma Hernandez chose to share her impressions of the 9-11 Pentagon Memorial. She not only described the events of that tragic day in 2001 and its victims, she discussed the symbolism displayed in the memorial itself. Her presentation centered around the words “sacred, honor, symbolism.”
Charlotte Frampton wrote and performed an original monologue inspired by the Franklin D. Roosevelt memorial. “I chose this as my sacred space because when I was there I felt peaceful and calm and it made me eager to learn about the Great Depression.” She portrayed a young girl whose family had lost all its money during the stock market crash, expressing the child’s sadness and fear as well as her hope and confidence in President Roosevelt.
Keira Kastelic was impacted by the World War 2 memorial and the story of Elsie Ott, an in-flight nurse who helped evacuate wounded soldiers during the war. “I kept thinking, ‘Could I have fought in this war? Would I have the courage, the guts?’” Keira explained. Her art piece, a portrait of Ott, was created out of 290 Band-Aids representing the number of men Ott helped to save.
Saedra Gurfinkel combined her love of singing and music with history to honor the Contemplative Court waterfall in the African American Museum of History and Culture. She writes, “I felt a deep sense of tranquility and strength when I was in this place. I was impressed with how grand and mighty it felt with all of the elements…stone, water, and glass.” Moved by the words of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., “We are determined to work and fight until justice rains down like water and righteousness like a mighty stream,” Saedra wrote a song to represent her experience in this place. Here are the lyrics to the chorus:
“Darkness cannot drive out darkness:
Only light can do that.
Hate cannot drive out hate: Only love can do that.”
Graland Country Day School
Graland Country Day School is a private school in Denver, Colorado, serving students in preschool, kindergarten, elementary, and middle school. Founded in Denver in 1927, Graland incorporates a rich, experiential learning approach in a traditional classroom setting, emphasizing the development of globally and socially conscious leaders who excel academically.
