Black History Month Around French International

February is Black History Month, and at French International, the month was incorporated into lessons and presentations. 

The Black History Month committee supported teachers throughout the month with resources. They also created a slideshow that played in the main lobby, featuring information about 30 different historical figures.

Throughout the school, students read stories and sang songs about black history or historical figures. For example, fifth graders had to research different figures and how they influenced the world and then made a timeline of events. In preschool, students read a story and then created art projects related to black history month.

We were also joined by parent volunteers to talk about black history month from their perspective. In third grade, parent Jonathan Johnsongriffin shared about his work at Google, connecting it to the students’ current unit of "Technologies help us share with others." The classes learned about Google Doodles and how Google celebrates Black History Month through creative artwork. 

In Middle School, the month coincided with current units in seventh and eighth-grade Individuals and Societies. Seventh graders are studying the evolution of Africa and its rich history, while eighth graders are studying changes and revolutions throughout history.

Many of the resources and events of the month were made possible by the Black History Month committee. The Black History Month committee is one of ten committees formed to recognize, honor, and celebrate different cultures at French International. The plan for Heritage Month celebrations was created by the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) committee and is part of the strategic plan pillar of People.