Since 1992
Print and digital marketing
By Logan Landry
Social Studies teacher
Bruce M. Whittier Middle School
POLAND — Each year Bruce M. Whittier Middle School participates in the National History Day program, which is sponsored by the History Channel.
This year Whittier celebrated its seventh annual Whittier History Day on Tuesday, Feb. 12. Whittier Middle School is unique in that every student does a project. Students first pick a topic that fits in with the year’s theme, which was “Triumph and Tragedy” this year. The students conduct research and create a project that is presented on Whittier History Day.
The National History Day program is focused on historical research, interpretation and creative expression for middle and high school students. By participating, students become writers, filmmakers, web designers, playwrights and artists as they create unique contemporary expressions of history.
On Feb. 12, 75 members of the Whittier community, and even teachers from other schools around the state, volunteered their time to judge the students; projects. Students with the top projects have been invited to participate in Maine History Day at the University of Maine in April.
For the past six years, Whittier students have also made it to the national competition in Washington D.C. in June.
While this is mainly a social studies project, every content area pitches in to help students succeed in their work. All staff members value the skills that the students learn from doing this project, and have supported the social studies department in leading this project for our students.
Whittier History Day is an incredible experience for the students. They not only learn research skills and history, but they also learn a lot of interpersonal skills including interview skills. These skills will help them for the rest of their life.
If you have questions about Whittier Middle School’s History Day, or you would be interested in judging next year, contact Social Studies teacher Logan Landry at llandry@rsu16.org.
PHOTO: Whittier School students who won the Natiional History Day event on Feb. 12, and the school’s Social Studies teachers. (Submitted phhoto)
