Many schools across
New Jersey have the day off today for Columbus Day and Indigenous Peoples' Day,
but for one school in Jersey City -- class is in session.
Class was
in session at the Learning Community Charter School for some on subject
learning. Students learned about the culture and history of indigenous people
in the United States. It's not about choosing one holiday over the other, but
rather the start of a larger conversation and a larger
celebration of people.
The morning started with song. Fourth grader Francesca DiMartino was
part of the choir that performed the Native American song for their school.
“We learn part of the song so it's very important for us to share it with
the rest of the school,” says DiMartino.
It's just one part of the day's curriculum -- recognizing and
celebrating Indigenous Peoples’ Day.
“We are the most diverse school with the most diverse staff in the state,
and it would just be strange if we weren't recognizing why we value diversity
itself,” says Colin Hogan.
Hogan is the head
of the charter school. He and his staff received guidance from an indigenous
school leader on how to make the learning community charter school's first
Indigenous Peoples’ Day valuable and
culturally accurate.
“We wanted to make
sure it was a full experience so every student could come home really having a
better sense and understanding of what indigenous culture has
contributed to our own culture and our nation,” says Hogan.
Students learned about
the influence that Native Americans have and continue to have on the state and
country. It's the first time the school is doing something like this for its
more than 600 students.