Third grader Jayla Fields shows off her project on Serena Williams. "It was fun learning she was the face of women's tennis," Fields says.
Photo by Liz Ramos
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Latrell Watson, a third grader at William H. Bashaw Elementary School, was excited to share his drawing of NBA star LeBron James in the media center.
His drawing was surrounded by facts Watson learned while researching James' life and career.
Watson's project was one of a dozen projects students and their families created on prominent Black Americans for the school's Black History Month Celebration on Feb. 22.
Watson said he wanted to learn more about James, the NBA's all-time leading scorer, because "he's one of the best players."
Third grader Jayla Fields created a poster on tennis player Serena Williams. She was surprised to find out Melissa Morgan, the school's media specialist, went to school with Williams.
Besides the projects in the media center, students were able to showcase their research on distinguished Black Americans in the hallways, creating a walking museum for attendees.
Fifth grader Cayden Hunter and her mother, Tara Davis, write notes of kindness to add to a chain of kindness. "Some people think who they are isn't good enough and they have to change, so I wrote to be who you are, you're amazing," Hunter says.
Photo by Liz Ramos
Third grader Latrell Watson chooses to learn about LeBron James because "he's one of the best players." Watson learned about James' career and what he does to help children.
Photo by Liz Ramos
Students have their projects on prominent Black Americans on display in the media center.
Photo by Liz Ramos
Stephanie Tretolo, a fourth grade teacher at William H. Bashaw Elementary School, watches her son Anthony Tretolo, who is in pre-K at Gilbert W. McNeal Elementary School, play basketball.
Photo by Liz Ramos
Stephanie Tretolo, a fourth grade teacher, tries her best in a basketball challenge.
Photo by Liz Ramos
Third grader Jayla Fields shows off her project on Serena Williams. "It was fun learning she was the face of women's tennis," Fields says.
Photo by Liz Ramos
Students have their work on prominent Black Americans displayed in the hallways as a walking museum. Students wrote about Rosa Parks, Ruby Bridges, Jackie Robinson, George Washington Carver and others.
Photo by Liz Ramos
Mila Jorgensen, a first grader, shares her assignment on Rosa Parks.
Photo by Liz Ramos
Jovon Carter, a teacher aide at William H. Bashaw Elementary School, talks about his family history in Manatee County. "It's very important to tell the kids the importance of going to school and knowing where you come from," Carter says.
Photo by Liz Ramos
James Dougherty, the principal at William H. Bashaw Elementary School, dances with students to the "Cha Cha Slide."
Photo by Liz Ramos
Third grader Liam Gil dances to the "Cha Cha Slide" with Assistant Principal Maria Gil and Samira Miller, who is in pre-K.
Managing Editor Liz Ramos previously covered education and community for the East County Observer. Before moving to Florida, Liz was an education reporter for the Lynchburg News & Advance in Virginia for two years after graduating from the Missouri School of Journalism.
