Northport students electrified by powerful lesson

Northport K-8 middle grades students were electrified, enthused and inspired to learn more about the Korean War recently. Northport students paid tribute to the 60th anniversary of the signing of the Korean War Armistice by an integration of interactive learning, an informative and moving PowerPoint presentatioin, guest speaker Peter Popolizio, current Commander of local chapter 106 of the Korean War Veterans Association as a primary source, and were also treated to renditions of music of the time period by Northport choral students under the direction of James Kirk. Student Brandt Wrench sang a sweet version of Bobby Vinton’s “Blue Velvet” and the girl’s choral ensemble, the Velvet Bluebirds, dedicated the song, “Why Do Fools Fall In Love” by Frankie Lymon and the Teenagers to the St. Lucie County School District Senior Volunteer of the Year, Commander Popolizio. Students learned who the power players were during the war, the time period of the war and all about the draft. Students entered the media center that was divided into North and South Korea. Students made flags marking each country, and the Demilitarized Zone was marked for non- admittance. Students each received envelopes upon entering the center, some containing official draft notices, which were opened at the end of the program. Students learned five key vocabulary words: armistice, demilitarized zone, Communism, capitalism and draft. Student surveys and exit slips were utilized to collect learning data. Student comments received after the presentation were very telling. Sixth grader Gianna Ritacco wrote, “I will never,ever forget this program because you guys inspired me to want to learn more!” and sixth grade Jordan Miller wrote, “Thank you so much for teaching us about the Korean War. I have never heard about this before, let alone a war!” and Melanie Giachetti wrote, “You guys put on a spectacular presentation! Those five words are now imbedded in my brain!” Pictured are Media Specialist Lynne Gruszka and students presenting the new vocabulary words.