Each year we celebrate Martin Luther King Day on the third Monday of January. The day celebrates the life and achievements of Martin Luther King Jr., an influential American civil rights leader.
Primary
In the Primary classrooms, children read picture books about the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and they listened to a small excerpt from his “I Have a Dream” speech. Kindergarteners were invited to write creative writing pieces applying the idea of “I have a Dream” to something that is important to them and to share their vision for a peaceful and more equitable future.
Some students drew self-portraits, thinking about each person’s uniqueness and commonalities, appreciating our differences, and recognizing our similarities.
Lower Elementary
Lower Elementary students learned about why we celebrate Martin Luther King Day and they created amazing artwork in honor of Dr. King. They traced their hands and completed the sentence “I have a dream…” before putting them all together on a poster.
Upper Elementary
Upper Elementary showcased and shared a selection of picture books that celebrated his life and legacy.
Middle School
Ballad of Martin Luther King, Jr., 1963
Ten thousands join ten thousands
Without goading police.
The singers sing, their anthems ring,
The speakers speak their peace.
Around the world astonishment—
The ceremonies heard
Or seen on every continent,
And still to come: the Word.
Spectators waving handkerchiefs,
Small children, hearts to seize,
Will tell it taller years from now,
Grandchildren at their knees.
Blue sunshine worships morning,
No cloud would dare to rain
For in his jacket mercy
And in his pocket pain.
Equality his brother
And sisterhood his pride
Meet common sense, nonviolence,
The means he’s deified.
The afternoon is dying down,
The Reverend takes the stage.
George Washington spreads out the book,
Abe Lincoln turns the page.
He reads his notes religiously,
An old familiar theme.
“But please, Martin,” Mahalia shouts,
“Tell ‘em about the dream!”
And first he puts away his speech
Then sweeps away the crowd:
The memory of his remarks
Peals like a thundercloud.
“The content of our character
Personifies a sage.”
One day in 1963.
Belongs to every age
