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Westonka Students Celebrate Life of Martin Luther King Jr.
Students in Holly Thumann's first grade class at Shirley Hills did a classroom project.
Click on the above image for more photos from around the district.
January 28, 2025 — Westonka Public Schools students spent time this month reflecting on the words of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Although the holiday that celebrates the civil rights leader’s birthday was a no-school day for students, educators took opportunities during January to have students learn about Dr. King's work and his contributions to society.
In honor of Martin Luther King Jr. Day and in the spirit of giving back, Hilltop Primary School students packed 32,184 meals in only three hours on Jan. 24 to combat world hunger. Hilltop has hosted Many Hands Many Meals (MHMM) of Excelsior for the past eight years, surpassing 200,000 meals for children in need around the world.
Principal Mike Moch said this event is one of his favorites each year because of the hands-on experience and work the students get to do to support others. “We are always grateful for the collaboration and what our students learn from the process,” Moch said. “We appreciate the volunteers who help make this day possible.”
MHMM is a volunteer-driven organization committed to inspiring, engaging and educating people, starting with children, by packaging life-saving meals that ease world hunger. For more information, visit the MHMM website.
Kindergartners at Shirley Hills Primary School celebrated Martin Luther King Jr. Day by reading a book, watching a kid-friendly video, and discussing who he was and why he is important. First-graders talked about the leader and did a classroom project on how they can change the world.
Grandview Middle School students did a classroom lesson on Dr. King’s work and watched clips of some of his famous speeches. “Usually, we have this day off from school but this year we are dedicating time at school to learning more about Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., his work, and how we can help keep his dream alive by all being Upstanders,” said Principal Christy Zachow, who explained that an Upstander is a person who acts to make a positive change. It is someone who has the courage to stand up for what they believe is right, even if others riot or disagree.
Hilltop students packed meals for Many Hands Many Meals.
Click on the above image for more photos from the event.