Horizons-on-the-Hudson Hosted A Virtual American Indian Heritage Month & Give Thanks Celebration

On Thursday, November 17th, Horizons on the Hudson (HOH) hosted a virtual American Indian Heritage Month Event. The celebration was coordinated by our librarian, Mrs.  Jumpp and hosted by Ms. Carraro, Third Grade Unlimited Horizons Teacher and Mrs. Gonzalez-Heyes, Fifth Grade Unlimited Horizons Teacher.

The celebration provided HOH scholars, staff and the HOH community, the opportunity to acknowledge the land we are on, to recognize, and show love and appreciation for indigenous people’s culture and traditions, past and present.  We also had the opportunity to share how we all give Thanks in our own unique ways.

The order of events flowed as follows:

After a warm welcome by Ms. Carraro, fifth grader, Nolan Kelly from Mrs. Gonzalez-Heyes’ class spoke on the importance of recognizing the Thanksgiving holiday from multiple perspectives and the many ways that it is celebrated. Nolan’s presentation can be found here: Thanksgiving holiday.

Ms. Martorano, Music Teacher worked with fourth grader, Khloe Hudson, from Mrs. Zouhairi’s class and prepared her to give a lovely rendition of the song, The Canoe Song & Land of the Silver Birch.  

Ms. Dolfinger’s and Ms. Shirley’s fifth graders,Tyrese Clark, Royal Dennis, AJ Gonzalez, Cillian Lynch, Jaylen Martinez, Brayden Reyes, Nayeli San Rodriguez, Jayden Sanchez, prepared  presentations of South East Storytelling Plays: How Day and Night were Divided, How the Deer got his Horns, The Story of Fire, and Medicine: A Cherokee Legend. Scholars enjoyed the opportunity to engage in a cross-curricular activity that highlighted American Indian folk legends in class, and some joined us to share their talents in the cultural practice of storytelling. 

Next, fifth grader, Kyrielle Keith from Mrs. Gonzalez-Heyes’ class went on to recite an original Thanksgiving poem full of figurative language that added color, detail and description to the way that she and her family celebrate.

Then, fifth grader, Karma Everett from Mrs. Gonzalez-Heyes’ class shared a beautiful Gratitude Tribute to both of her parents. During her presentation, she pointed out the importance of showing gratitude year-round so that the people in our lives know how much we appreciate them and their efforts. 

Ms. Carraro went on to lead a beautiful gratitude necklace craft where scholars were able to participate and reflect on the blessings and important relationships that they have.  Ms. Carraro and Library Troupe members worked tirelessly to prepare and send home craft kits with supplies to make the craft.

At the closing of the event, Hendrix Hanson, played Sonatina in C Major by Clementi on the piano and scholars were given the opportunity to stay and ask Ms. Carraro questions about the gratitude necklace craft.

Story submitted by Mrs. Gonzalez-Heyes and Mrs. Jumpp

ATTENTION: Are your scholars or colleagues doing something great? Please contact the district Communications Team at communications@necsd.net. We’d love to visit your class or event and/or post your pictures and recap to highlight the amazing accomplishments throughout our district!