Martin Luther King/Civil Rights Day

Cooperative Middle School in Stratham

Monday’s MLK Day activities began over the intercom with a poem about one person taking a stand: Rosa Parks was just one person, and she took a stand.  CMS peer mediators introduced speakers and performers in the Meehan auditorium. PEA Dean Russell Weatherspoon’s “What is it like to be alone?” had quite an impact on the students in three separate assemblies.  Robert Thompson, minister at PEA, accompanied the PEA Step Dancers and two Flamenco dancers.  Rev. Thompson spoke about the importance of learning about other cultures and being willing to share the richness of cross-cultural experiences in a positive way.  Peer Mediators took the opportunity to show the relationship between their work and Dr. Martin Luther King’s devotion to justice and non-violence.  Each team in the school conducted activities.  The 6^th grade quilt will be displayed in the main foyer when it is completed.  Our school is deeply indebted to Mrs. Laurie Loosigian, Peer Mediation Coordinator, the key person in the MLK celebrations.

Swasey Central School in Brentwood

MLK Day was celebrated within classrooms in the morning. Each teacher was responsible for this time. In the afternoon, we had an all-school assembly. Phillips Exeter Academy students from Germany, South Africa, and Indiacame to Swasey. They each took turns talking to the students about their countries and cultures. The students learned about politics, traditions, food, and clothing. They learned a dance that is done in South Africa and heard a story from that country as well. The children had an opportunity to ask questions. It was a rich opportunity for our students and we thank the PEA young people for sharing with us.

Exeter High School

Some students protested the lack of formalized programs at EHS and other groups organized events designed to give students and teachers a feel for living in a segregated society.  Students in the Peer Outreach Group assigned stairwells, bathrooms, water fountains, lunch lines and lunch tables to "black" or "white".  Each student had the opportunity to wear a ribbon designating their "color" and thus could only access the facilities assigned to their group.  Also an educational video ran every period in the science lecture hall and students could sign up to watch the video during a free period. Additionally, some teachers incorporated civil rights topics into their lessons during the day.

Next Year's School Calendar makes MLK/Civil Rights Day a holiday.
Hopefully students and parents will find creative ways to honor the holiday.