“It’s kind of a scary thing for the kids this age,” said Lohnes.
“They’re just amazed when they find out about segregation,” said Martin, describing their reaction as “indignant.”
This year the school embraced a more light-hearted topic in the Harlem Renaissance — an idea from Principal Cristina Sanchez, who once taught in Harlem.
“This has been much more a celebration of the culture than in the past,” said Martin.
Martin and Lohnes embraced the theme, focusing on legendary musician Duke Ellington. The two wore 1920s flapper costumes Friday, Feb. 26, and their students sported headbands for the girls and decorated ties for the boys, echoing the Duke’s love of neckties — he was said to own 1,000 of them. Throughout the month, students read stories, watched videos, listened to music and did projects related to Ellington and the period known as the Harlem Renaissance.
Parents, or another guest, were invited into the school for Lunch with your Learner Friday and after dining with the student toured the building to see the Harlem Renaissance projects adorning the walls.
As 5-year-old Samuel Butler cuddled close to his mother, Claire, at lunch, he said the best part of having her there was McDonalds. But for her, it’s time spent together.
“You don’t get to do things like this very often, so it’s nice to come in and sit with him,” she said.
The Lunch with your Learner is an annual event and is designed to get parents and guardians in the building and make them feel more comfortable about coming into the school, said Jamie Hackworth, community connector for Kenton.
“The kids also love it when mom enters their day or dad enters their day,” she said. “It just helps the whole education process appear important to the student.”
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