Heritage Project at Saint Mary School
Saint Mary School in Ridgefield (SMS) Grade 8 students recently completed a semester-long Heritage Project. "The purpose of the Heritage Project is for students to gain a greater understanding of the American immigration experience, and to be able to relate to this unique phenomenon in a personal way," says Jennifer Gallo, Middle School Social Studies teacher. "By examining their individual family history, students will come to appreciate the sacrifices made by their ancestors," she adds.
Students combined research into their country of origin with personal interviews of family members. They prepared a scrapbook of information about their country along with personal information including family trees, recipes, and memoirs. The culminating event was Heritage Night. Students prepared a dish from their country to share with their classmates, families, and staff, dressed in clothes from the era, and read aloud a journal entry they wrote in the voice of their ancestor the night before their departure to the United States.
Elizabeth Manno, SMS Assistant Principal, and Grade 8 Homeroom teacher remarked, "The Grade 8 class embraced this project from the start." Manno said that throughout every phase the students were eager to share their discoveries with one another. "On Heritage Night, it was inspiring to see each student take on the role of one of their ancestors as they explained that individual’s immigration to the United States. They each developed a better appreciation, not only of their own heritage but that of their classmates and the rich diversity of all Americans," she said.
To schedule a tour of Saint Mary School, call 203-438-7288. To learn more about the admission process, click here.
Saint Mary School is located at 183 High Ridge Ave in the heart of Ridgefield.
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