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Published on 06/26/1995 All articles from this issue

California History Day celebrated at St. Simon

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St. Simon School fourth graders culminated their study of California with the annual celebration of California History Day on May 22. Dressed as Indians, pioneers, gold miners, vaqueros, and Father Serra the students made adobe bricks, learned the Virginia Reel and pieced together quilt patterns.

Students enjoyed a program presented by the Stanard University Museum of Art on the Stanford family's contributions to California. The personal items from the Stanford family were of special interest, such as Leland Junior's tiny hand-sewn boots and his bag of carved marbles.

An early California lunch was organized by parents Gloria and Sal Reynaga and served in the Parish Hall. Spanish barbecued ribs, Mexican barbecued ribs, pioneer corn-on-the-cob, Vaquero corn muffins and Sutter's Fort chocolate-dipped strawberries were on the menu.

California research projects and exhibits from all fourth graders were on display in the Parish Hall for parents and the St.. Simon School student body to view. Students had traveled to all parts of California during the year to do research, including Mission San Juan Capistrano, Fort Ross, Sutter's Mill, and Columbia. Kenny Kelb built Mission Santa Barbara out of cake which eventually became a tasty treat for his class. Clever students found construction material all around the house. Danny Glassanos used licorice for the roof of his replica of Mission San Juan Capistrano. Serglo LaFosse used pretzel sticks to build miners' huts and Sutter's Mill in his model of Colma and Karen Liberty painted macaroni red for the roof of Mission San Jose. Other students displayed souvenirs and family pictures from the site they visited.

California History Day was planned by fourth grade teachers Karen O'Brien and Linda Kubitz with the support of music Teacher Donna Weiner, learning specialist Mary Jo Becker, and room parents Joan Hynes, Rita Schumann, Mary Varga and Joann Connolly. Other parents helped with lunch and the activities.