Week 4: Honor

In the spirit of Independence Day, this week's theme describes a character trait that focuses around honesty, integrity and respect:

Our campers celebrated "Spirit Week" with an exciting field trip to the Crispus Attucks Museum and High School!  Crispus Attucks was considered the first killed in the American Revolution. He is remembered as a martyr for American oppression and “the first to defy, the first to die.”

When Crispus Attucks High School opened in 1927, it was the only public high school designated for Indianapolis' black student population until integration began in 1967. For decades, the photos of all their graduates are immortalized in the school hallways. Many of our campers and teachers founds parents, grandparents, and other family members that attended the high school. One of our teachers, Mrs. G, our Powerful Antelopes (K - 1st) Instructor tells us how she first found the pictures of her family on the wall.

"The first time I saw the pictures, I was in 6th grade. My mom, dad, aunts, and uncles all went there. My preacher went there too, but he wasn't a traditional student. He worked on a railroad, stayed at a boarding house and went to school 3 days a week."

We also learned that the original faculty consisted of highly educated teachers - all had at least a Masters Degree and some held PhD's.  While they were able to attend colleges and universities, they were not yet able to teach at the collegiate level.  

Due to segregation, these quality teachers were restricted to teaching on the high school level. On the bright side, students left Crispus Attucks High School with valuable college-level education. 

Today, the Crispus Attucks Medical Magnet High School includes a college prep program for students pursuing careers in the science or medical fields.

Posing in front of the main entrance.  The school was also known for its Gothic/Tudor architecture.  

Mrs. Ellen, our Brainy Badgers (2nd - 3rd) Instructor, created a scavenger hunt for her class. Every time they saw the word "Attucks", they would tally up the numbers and use them in a math game. She was thrilled that the kids enjoyed the experience and connected with the history of our community. 

Jordan R., points to the retired basketball jersey of his uncle, Willie Gardner #13.  

Go Tigers!

Posted by Raechel Amey