Librarian Ellen O’Neill at McVey Elementary School, along with computer teacher Anthony Fosso and librarian Regina DeMarco, spearheaded a very unique hands-on research project for the fourth-grade students, which will culminate with a special presentation on Flag Day 2012. The yearlong project combines social studies and science curricula while incorporating the Common Core State Standards.
During the summer of 2011, Ms. O’Neill wrote to the governor in each of the 50 United States, posing the question, “What makes your state unique?” On each letter she provided a square of canvas to be decorated with state “symbols.” The governors’ offices responded by sending back the squares filled with a wide variety of state mottos, symbols, pins, and other decorations symbolizing their respective state. Some of the squares were returned hand-painted, stamped, and even collaged.
Following their research of each state, students will be asked, “What would you add to the canvas?” Students have already begun discussing the governors’ submissions and are incorporating brainstorming and problem-solving techniques to the activity. The canvases will be combined to create one large “quilt” that represents the entire country.
Ms. O’Neill will also write a very special letter to the Office of President Barak Obama, asking him to supply the center square. She envisions a traveling quilt for the future, which could be displayed at certain points of interest. “This quilt will not only belong to McVey, but the entire country,” she stated.
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