WESTFIELD-In the coming weeks, students at Highland Elementary School will be enlightened by two unique assemblies made possible from grants through the Westfield Cultural Council.
Melanie McNamara, Highland PTO’s treasurer, noted that PTO members participated in a grant writing workshop last September hosted by the Westfield Cultural Council.
“When the application process opened up for the annual grant cycle, Kim Chisholm-Godshalk, PTO co-president, put forth two proposals,” said McNamara, adding both were approved. Grants totaling $1,275 will fund both programs.
The Westfield Cultural Council is part of the Massachusetts Cultural Council’s Local Cultural Council Program.
“The Westfield Cultural Council saw fit to award Highland with two grants, one for The Rainforest Reptile Show which fell under the Interpretative Sciences category, and Contact Period was awarded under the Humanities umbrella,” said McNamara.
On Feb. 13, Highland students will gather for “Through Eighteenth Century Eyes,” which depicts the Eastern Woodlands Indians and how they lived successfully throughout New England for more than 1,000 years prior to European settlements, according to McNamara. A snow date has been set for Feb. 17.
“Presenter Gail White Usher will bring the Contact Period program to the students exploring how everyday life for New England’s Native American population changed in the first 100 years of contact with European settlers,” said McNamara.
McNamara added that the program will display objects to illustrate the concept and many of these objects will be passed throughout the audience.
“This program also addresses stereotypes about Native Americans,” said McNamara.
The March assembly will feature The Rainforest Reptile Show, a unique program that engages children of all ages at a hands-on level.
“The Highland students will be thrilled and excited to see a herpetologist who gives them facts, and dispels their misconceptions about the rainforest and the reptiles that live around the world,” said McNamara.
In addition to an American alligator, up to 10 snakes, a tortoise and a large lizard will be presented to students.
“The benefit in introducing the students to this program is to show them how to live in unison with Mother Nature and understand through science how we live today can affect tomorrow,” said McNamara, adding, “Even in our community the small steps we take to help the environment can help the earth and its living creatures as a whole.”
