On Monday, Dec. 15, in the midst of a delayed school start, Maple Elementary School was visited by Education Secretary Linda McMahon and her History Rocks Tour entourage; Rep. Andy Harris, accompanied by staffers; some Dorchester County commissioners; Mayor Lajan Cephas-Bey, Dorchester County Public School Superintendent Jymil Thompson and members of the Dorchester County Board of Education. After a learning tour, 4th and 5th grade students were gathered to participate in educational activities and games as part of the History Rocks Tour, a celebration of the 250th anniversary of US independence.
Maple students were engaged and learning throughout the building. The students attending the assembly shone the brightest of all. After opening activities including an a cappella rendition of the Star-Spangled Banner sung by Katondra Jenkins, there were speeches by History Rock Tour organizers. Rian White impressed those assembled with her response to the question: What is a quill?
Following the lead of event emcee Dr. Donald Boyd, students were excited to show their knowledge. Dr. Boyd led the students in games, designed to highlight their mastery of American history and further their learning.
Using placards with an image of the Maryland flag on one side and the American flag on the other, students answered questions by displaying the flag of the correct answer. The students have been good learners, answering most of the questions correctly, even those that stumped some of the adults. The final game pitted a fourth grade team against a fifth grade team. Fourth grade prevailed, answering more history questions correctly. Their reward: hats from the History Rocks team and pre-Winter break bragging rights.
Ms. Katondra Jenkins, Dorchester County Public School parent, sang the Star-Spangled Banner, a cappella. It was wonderful.
Dorchester County Public School Superintendent Jymil Thompson and Cambridge Mayor Lajan Cephas-Bey (l-r) were in attendance to ensure the event was in the best interest of the city’s children.