NEWBURGH – The scholars of Be A STAR and MBK at Balmville Elementary have been learning about their origins and ancestral roots. For the month of February, Be A STAR and MBK scholars, were asked to decorate the showcase window in the front of the building along with Mrs. Johnson, Assistant Principal. Marcus Garvey quote, “A people without the knowledge of their past history, origin and culture is like a tree without roots”, is most fitting because it embraces the principles highlighted throughout each program.
Within these programs, the students are encouraged to embrace their heritage and their roots so that they may develop a stronger educational foundation.
The students decorated the tree of life with information they have learned about their family and heritage. On the roots of the tree, the scholars wrote the seven principles of Kwanzaa, plus an eight principle, developed by Maulana Karenga. Mrs. Johnson bought in her personal books and African artifacts to complete the showcase, like she has done for the past 25 years. Mr. Green is the MBK facilitator and Mr. Green is the Be A Star facilitator at Balmville School. Let’s celebrate Black History and continue to inspire students to become tomorrow’s leaders beyond Academy Field!
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