St. Mary's Community Catholic School
Native American tribes took over Mrs. Wong’s fourth grade classroom at St. Mary Catholic Community School in Crown Point this past week. After learning about the Shawnee, Potawatomi, Delaware, Miami, and Wyandotte tribes, all fourth graders were then assigned to a tribe for Native American Week activities. On Tuesday, September 27, each tribe member made wampum bracelets, using colors to represent their specific tribe. Traditionally, Native Americans would make wampum belts and use them as a form of money!
Treats such as “Snow Food”, “Maple Sugar Candy”, and “Cornmeal Hoe Cakes” were brought in by “Chiefs” (fourth grade parent volunteers) on Wednesday, as the tribe members were allowed to sample some Native American desserts. Reactions were mixed: “These candies taste like tootsie rolls,” Austin Miller stated as he sucked on a maple sugar candy, while Aundrea Munoz wondered if the Native Americans ever chipped a tooth on one of those same candies! Thursday’s excitement was brought on by the rotation of the tribes through four games Native American children used to play. Emma Chavez from Mrs. Hise’s class was able to “ring” the “pin” 58 times for a grade level record! By the end of the week, students had gained experiences which made their study of Native American culture come alive!
St. Mary Catholic Community School in Crown Point is celebrating its 145th school year. The school offers grade levels Junior Pre-Kindergarten (for three year olds) through eight and is the largest grade school in the Diocese of Gary. St. Mary’s faculty teaches a rich curriculum supported by cutting-edge technology. To learn more about St. Mary’s School or schedule a tour, visit stmarycp.org/school.