By Lisa Carolin
Geography Night attracted hundreds of people of all ages to the Washington Street Education Center Friday evening, Feb. 23.
The PTO-sponsored event was aimed at kindergarten through fifth-graders and their families.
Beach Middle School teacher Angela Boyer, who leads the World Language Club, got her students involved in researching countries of their choice and creating displays about them.
For seventh-grader Jessie Wesley, who was adopted from Guatemala, creating a display about her country of origin was particularly meaningful.
“I’ve learned so much more about my history,” she said. “I learned there is a volcano there, and they found a ton of buildings underneath it using laser scans. My mom and I are going to go to Guatemala when I’m 16.”
Eighth-grader Kelsey McGregor, who’s in the World Language Club with Wesley, helped with the Guatemala display.
“I’m interested in learning the differences between the United States and other countries and what makes us similar,” said McGregor.
Visitors to Geography Night had a variety of opportunities to study maps and learn about other cultures. A number of Girl Scout Troops were sponsoring various country displays including Meg Gower’s Kindergarten Troop #40693.
“We learned all about India including its animals, money, games and costumes,” said Gower. “The girls especially liked learning about spices and chai tea.”
Angie Trend’s Girl Scout Troop #40370 chose Poland as its country.
“We did a vote and picked Poland,” said fourth-grader Rory Welling. “We learned about Polish inventors, and we have a game tonight called Is It Polish?”
From kids doing a Scottish Highland dance to samples of ethnic foods, Geography Night was both educational and entertaining. Adding to the atmosphere was ta recording of the music of the Olympics being played in the hallway.
“This is good timing with the Olympics going on,” said Bethany Goesmann, one of the organizers. “This is a way to give kids a hands-on way to experience fun activities beyond the classroom. It’s encouraging that so many families came out on a Friday night to participate.”
