MIDDLE SCHOOL NEWS

Experience the Harlem Renaissance

Middle school celebrated Black History Month this year by transforming CHP into an early 20th century Harlem Renaissance. The event took place on February 24th and was a celebration of the incredible cultural renaissance among African American artists that occurred in Harlem from the 1920s-1940s.

Each classroom was reinvented into a different cultural hot spot in the city at this time. There was The Cotton Club, the Harlem Community Arts Center, The Apollo Theatre, and The Harlem Cafe, all filled with students portraying the various writers, musicians, actors, and activists who contributed to this cultural renaissance. Attendees in early 20th century fashions meandered through the Harlem clubs, enjoying music and conversation about these great African American artists.

The evening ended with music, food, dancing, and final words of thanks to commemorate the great contribution the Harlem Renaissance gave to the world and to the civil rights movement.

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Mardi Gras Celebration

The first American Mardi Gras or Fat Tuesday took place on March 3, 1699, when French explorers Pierre Le Moyne d’Iberville and Sieur de Bienville landed near present-day New Orleans, Louisiana. Ten years later, the first recorded New Orleans Mardi Gras parade took place, a tradition that continues to this day. On Tuesday 2/21, CHP continued its tradition and the French Honor society planned and hosted the annual Mardi Gras celebration with the help of Mme. Gergesse.

The celebration included a slide presentation created by the FHS where students discovered the origins of Mardi Gras and learned about the food and activities associated with this famous festival. The audience participated in a fun Kahoot game. Grades 3-8 participated in creating Mardi Gras posters, each of which showed a high level of creativity.

Notre Café

Grade 7 students studying French learned about the differences between American food and French food. They also learned about French restaurants; how to offer, accept, and refuse food; and how to place an order in French. The Trimester Students were assigned a Project about creating a French cafe scene using props and a menu which they enjoyed. They also got to create dialogue. Students worked in groups to create these amazing scenes.