Sauntering Year Two with Henry David Thoreau

“Sauntering Year Two with Henry David Thoreau”

by: Mrs. Donna Przybojewski

During this past summer, I was privileged to attend a number of Thoreau related events that allowed St. Benedict Catholic School to shine. Last year, St. Benedict Catholic School celebrated the Bicentennial of Thoreau’s birthday across grade levels and disciplines. It was a year of joy that culminated with an inspiring program of student work and presentations in May. For that reason, we have made Henry David Thoreau our resident author.

Because I am a Thoreau Bicentennial Ambassador, I had the privilege to present a talk at the July Thoreau Society annual Gathering in Concord, Massachusetts. I created trifold posters which illustrated what our school children had accomplished during the last school year to celebrate Thoreau’s 200th birthday. Unbelievably, these trifolds had a places of honor in two areas. First, they were on display at the new Walden Pond State Reservation where I had a book signing. My children’s ABC book on Thoreau was actually selected to be a story book walk for children during the summer months. The illustrations were laminated and attached to sticks that were placed along the path leading to Thoreau’s cabin site. Many visitors came to speak to me as I told them about the fantastic year we had. Everyone was astonished that a school could accomplish so much and work together so cohesively. They were impressed not only with the students’ work but also with our administration and faculty.

After the Walden Pond event, the trifolds went on display during the week long gathering in the VERY ROOM where Henry David Thoreau began his first teaching job after graduating Harvard. There was a constant influx of people from all areas of the world viewing these posters and speaking to me about our school.

As a presenter, I was able to speak to the participants of the Thoreau Society Gathering and explain month by month what we at St. Benedict Catholic School had accomplished during the Thoreau Bicentennial last year. My talk, which included a power point to illustrate student work and events, received many claps and positive affirmation through words. An English professor from Ohio State University told me that she wished her children could attend St. Benedict School. Another of the numerous positive compliments included a gentleman who said, “Everyone should attend a Catholic School.” I felt so privileged to be able to share what I have experienced the last five years at St. Benedict Catholic School—a supportive and encouraging administration with Mrs. Oriti and Mrs. Malone, great colleagues, and the best students any school could want.

Also, I was selected to participate in the Nation Endowment for the Humanities Living Deliberately Workshop in Concord, Massachusetts. This workshop included teachers across grade levels and disciplines from many states who were interested in teaching Thoreau to their students. I was invited to share what our school had done. Again, the teachers were amazed that we worked so well together as a group. They could not believe all that we had done. Believe me, I was filled with so much pride of St. Benedict School and felt honored to be able to share our accomplishments with others.

Because of my participation in the NEH workshop, I am required to continue Thoreau education across grade levels and disciplines. During the course of this school year, I will be communicating our lessons on Thoreau to the participants of the NEH. One of the ways students will continue learning about Thoreau is through a coloring discussion book that I published In the Nick of Time. Every grade level will use this book which will include art, reflection, journaling, and expanded lessons of each teacher’s own discretion.

Needless to say, I am so blessed to be a part of such an innovative, supportive, and enthusiastic school community. I look forward to our second year of “sauntering” with Henry David Thoreau as we celebrate his bicentennial, which will conclude on July 12, 2018.