Brighton The Critical DifferenceArt ClassRACF Logo
Education Fund About BEF Grants, Scholarships & Awards For Donors For Applicants

Council Rock Primary School
French Road Elementary School
Twelve Corners Middle School
Brighton High School
divider
Cultural Life Endowment Fund
David DeHaven Memorial Fellowship
David DeHaven Alpine Ski Scholarship
William Dieck Fund
W. Todd Harper Fund
Alan L. Lewis Fund
Stephen Monk Gift
D. Bradley Smith Art Purchase Award
divider
Tribute Award
Distinguished Alumni Award

Back 1950s History Program

We so appreciate the Brighton Education Fund grant that was awarded to us! It allowed us to provide two special experiences for our students:

  • our first graders experienced an interactive assembly created by the expert staff of the Strong National Museum of Play
  • our second graders enjoyed a field trip to the Strong National Museum of Play
A Strong staffer introduces first graders to 50s-style roller skates
A Strong staffer introduces first graders to 50s-style roller skates

For our first graders, the staff of the Strong Museum brought artifacts of the 1950s to our school. Each class met with the staff and learned about the artifacts and participated in activities that focused on 1957, the year in which Council Rock Primary School opened. The sessions began with a discussion of what the children knew about the 1950's. I heard children mention "Houses were build by families, not contractors." "Buildings leaked." "Everything was hand made." Their ideas showed that they had no real concept of that era. That is understandable given that they are only six years old (and it didn't help that they were also studying Christopher Columbus!) At the end of the presentation though, they had some "ah hahs!" and did indeed understand that the Council Rock building was well-built and the 50s weren't so very long ago.

Second graders welcomed to Strong National Museum of Play
Our second graders are welcomed to Strong National Museum of Play

With the grant we also were able to take the entire second grade class to the Strong National Museum of Play. We had over 200 children and about 50 parents. The staff set up the museum especially for Council Rock 50s day. In the Reading Adventure Zone, the 50's character, Madeline was missing; children followed clues to find her. Outside of the mini-Wegmans, a car hop was set up. Children counted cups and delivered drinks to the children in the cars. Children voted on their favorite 50's toy and invented new things. For the entire day, a staff member taught 50's dances to the children. Multiple other events were planned. It was a wonderful experience and a great culminating activity to our year long study of the 50s.

story and photos by Karen Allen

October 29, 2007


Brighton Education Fund
Go to Top c/o Brighton Schools, 2035 Monroe Avenue, Rochester, New York 14618
voice (585) 461-0434     fax (208) 975-7494
Clock tower image © Nancy Gong. Hosting services provided by Cmark and Associates.

BHS Clock Tower