Eagle Elementary School in the Patchogue-Medford School District rounded out Black History Month with a heartwarming celebration, engaging students in a schoolwide read-aloud of Jacqueline Woodson’s impactful picture book, The Other Side.
The story follows Clover, a Black girl in a segregated town, and her transformative friendship with Annie, a white girl from the other side of the fence. The book, recognized by the American Library Association and the recipient of the 2001 Time of Wonder Award, carries a poignant message of combating bigotry and fostering compassion.
In the spirit of the book’s themes, students at Eagle Elementary School embarked on a creative journey. Following the read-aloud, kindergarteners through fifth graders participated in crafting written quilts inspired by writing prompts connected to the narrative. The prompts led to reflections on friendship, kindness, and overcoming social injustices, aligning with the broader curriculum focus for Black History Month.
“We are always looking for ways to engage our students with meaningful school-wide projects,” Dr. Donna Jones, superintendent of the Patchogue-Medford School District, Expressing enthusiasm for the initiative, she added, “These activities connect students from kindergarten through fifth grade, enhancing school identity and unity.”
She noted that such projects contribute to reinforcing the lessons learned in individual classrooms and build upon the Black History Month assignments already underway.
The quilts, composed of written responses to the prompts, were prominently displayed at the school’s main entrance. Younger students shared their thoughts on being good friends, while older students delved into using friendship as a tool to combat social injustices.
“Students and staff alike enjoyed this activity,” Stephen Santacroce, assistant principal of the elementary school, said. “It is beautiful to see the positive impact this text has had on our school community.”
The schoolwide engagement not only celebrated Black History Month but also fostered a sense of unity, identity, and understanding among students and staff. The quilts now stand as a testament to the power of literature and collective creativity in shaping a positive school community.
