Students experience Greek culture

Friday, Mountainville Academy Charter School hosted its annual Greek Festival for the second grade students.
The children have been studying Greek Mythology for the last month and the festival is a way of experiencing what they have learned. Teachers and parents plan an event for students to experience Greek culture through dancing, apparel, food and Olympic games.
“It's something the kids look forward to,” said Tracy Bertelsen, second grade teacher, “most have older siblings that have been through second grade and know that this is coming at the end of the year.”
The children arrived to school dressed in Greek inspired clothing, which included ornate outfits, jewelry, and creative homemade outfits such as a white sheet transformed into an ancient Greek tunic. All the children were given head wreaths made from spray painted gold leaves.
“Some students really go all out for their outfits. Others are just happy it's free dress day. I tell students they are welcome to dress up, but not too worry so much about it. They will enjoy the day either way,” said Bertelsen.
The festival begins in the school gym or “Pantheon” with the Olympic games, which include Chariot races, disk throw, beanbag toss, crab walk and a three-legged race. A parent volunteer is over each station so the teachers can watch their students participate. At the end of the games all students received a medal.
The refreshments were a selection a Greek foods including olives, humus, chesses, fruits, vegetables, pita chips and deserts. The table was decorated with lavish fabrics and décor.
“I loved all the food, especially the cheese and the statue was awesome,” said Cannon Curtin, student.
Rebecca Covey, a parent volunteer set the scene of ancient Greece. She rented statues and columns and her daughter, dressed as a Goddess, was playing the harp or lyre.
“I just wanted to make it a memorable experience for the kids,” said Covey.
The Greek mythology unit is a part of the Core knowledge Curriculum that is used in schools across the country. The program focuses on teaching students to be well rounded in their education. Second grade is when the developers thought it was appropriate for the students to learn about Greek culture and philosophy.
“My daughter loved learning about the Greek mythology,” said Katie Norton, parent of a second grade student,” it really opened her eyes and anything different aside from the normal routine at school is wonderful.”
The students learn about Ancient Greece, simple geography, what life was like and Gods and Goddesses.
“I loved to come home and tell my family all the stories we learned about at school. I especially thought it was cool to learn about creatures that don’t actually exist,” said Kylie Clinton, student.