Third Grade Presents 508 Years of Florida History

Third grade’s social studies curriculum closely examines the history of Florida and Jacksonville. From Tinkerbell and Ponce de Leon to an astronaut and Lilly Pulitzer, students brought 508 years of Florida history to life with their annual Florida Day Celebration on Thursday, April 29, in the Lori Schiavone Commons. Every student proudly took center stage in front of a live audience of parents, dressed as historical figures to inform and entertain the audience with their knowledge. Following the performance, students became a living-history museum by presenting their County Shoebox Parade and dioramas of forts and historical places throughout our great state.

Another special moment during the morning featured the annual performance of the song “Down In Jacksonville” written by Margaret Foerster, grandmother to Gracie Hammond ’25 and Anna Hammond ’29.  Mrs. Foerster wrote the lyrics as a theme song for a show she hosted on Channel 4 called “Your Town and Mine.” Each year, students enjoy performing the jazzy tune as part of the finale to their presentation.

Florida Day Celebration pictures.