This past week, OLHMS 8th grade students embarked on a powerful journey of learning, reflection, and discussion in honor of International Holocaust Remembrance Day. Through literature, history, and interactive exhibits, students gained a deeper understanding of the Holocaust and the importance of standing against discrimination and antisemitism.
Thanks to a generous grant, our ELA classes received 35 copies of The Assignment by Liza Wiemer. Inspired by a real-life event, this gripping novel challenges students to examine the dangers of intolerance and the courage it takes to stand up for what is right. As students form book clubs, they will engage in thought-provoking discussions and complete meaningful projects that connect the novel’s themes to the world today.
In Social Studies, students are stepping into history through our visiting Holocaust Museum, sponsored by the Illinois Holocaust Museum and Education Center. This immersive experience brings personal survivor stories to life through memoirs, artifacts, and documentary films. The museum’s Survivor Stories: Holocaust Eyewitness Mini Trunks provide a hands-on opportunity to explore real-life accounts of resilience and survival.
Through this week’s learning experiences, students are not only honoring the past but also developing the empathy, knowledge, and responsibility to shape a more just future. OLHMS is proud to support our students as they continue to learn, reflect, and advocate for tolerance and justice in their communities.
