| Longfellow School celebrates 120th birthday 5/6/2004 11:20 AMWhat is the oldest school in Saint Paul? Is it Central High School or Longfellow Humanities Magnet School? Well, the answer can be debatedand it will be as part of Longfellow School's 120th birthday celebration. Elementary students at Longfellow will debate the issue to kick off a communitywide festival on Saturday, May 15, celebrating the 120th anniversary of Longfellow School in Saint Pauls Merriam Park neighborhood. The event, which runs from noon to 8 p.m., also includes music, poetry, food, a silent auction, a carnival, displays, programs showcasing the life of Henry Wadsworth Longfellow and more. The event is free and open to the public. When we started planning the 120th anniversary celebration, we wanted people to know we are here, and that weve been here for a long, long time, said John Mueller, Longfellow curriculum coordinator and one of the event organizers. Its also a perfect match to our school curriculum that connects the past to the present to prepare for the future. In addition to highlighting the schools past, organizers also hope to renew the schools focus on the humanities. The humanities focus of our school is clearly evident in every facet of this celebration, said Longfellow principal Howard Wilson. We are demonstrating the many ways that music, poetry, artwork and history touch our lives. Its been a learning experience for students and something our entire community can enjoy. The event schedule is as follows: Noon-1 p.m. Debate With the help of students from Macalester College, Longfellow students researched the history of Saint Paul schools and will debate their findings about which school is the oldest. The debate emcee is Minnesota Court of Appeals Chief Judge Edward Toussaint. 1-2 p.m. Poetry Slam Longfellow students will read a variety of poems including some that students have written. The poetry slam is emceed by award-winning poet and author John Minczeski and jazz pianist Carei Thomas. Both are currently serving as artists-in-residence at Longfellow School. 2-4 p.m. Music, food, silent auction, carnival, student artwork and displays The festival continues with music, food, a silent auction, student artwork, displays, a carnival and much more. A historical display of photos and artifacts from Longfellow School collected by Larry Alcott, a former custodian at Longfellow for nearly 30 years, will decorate the school. The display features photos and poems about former staff such as Mrs. OToole, principal from 1894 to 1910. Another display about Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, developed with the help of the Minnesota Humanities Commission, will also be open to the public. In addition, students will display their mural of artwork honoring community elders. The mural was developed under the direction of retiring Longfellow art teacher Donna McIntosh. 6:30-8 p.m. Elders Wisdom, Childrens Song The anniversary celebration will also focus on the traditions and visions of the school with a culminating evening event that honors community elders. The Elders Wisdom, Childrens Song event, organized in partnership with non-profit organization Community Celebration of Place, recognizes the lives of four community elders through word and original song. The elders being honored are Elsie Elaine Fairbanks, Anishinabe educator and community worker; Janebelle Taylor, African American educator and activist; George Latimer, former Saint Paul mayor and Macalester College professor; and Youa Teng Xiong, Hmong freedom fighter and grandfather of a Longfellow student. With the help of Community Celebration of Place Director and Americas Troubadour Larry Long, students researched the elders lives and wrote original songs about the elders that will be sung at the event. Renowned choir director JD Steele and Guthrie actor Emil Herrera are working with the students on the performance of their songs and recitations. The Pilgrim Baptist Choir, Hmong dancers, Anishinabe drum group and professional singer Geoff Jones will also perform. For more information about the celebration, visit Longfellow's Web site or call the school at (651) 293-8725. |
|
