Throughout the month of February, Minnetonka Public Schools joins other districts, organizations, communities and individuals across the country in celebrating Black History Month. From presentations about Black leaders to art displays and student-led interviews, schools across the District offer dynamic ways for students to engage with and celebrate Black history.

“Through these efforts, our students will gain a greater understanding of the important role that Black Americans have played in our nation’s history,” said David Law, Superintendent of Minnetonka Schools. “Artists, athletes, musicians, scientists, civil rights leaders and many more individuals will be recognized and celebrated.”

Each school will have unique opportunities for students to participate and celebrate throughout the month. Middle school students at MME, MMW and in Tonka Online full e-learning are also engaging Black history through a combination of staff-facilitated and student-led activities. Morning announcement segments highlighting Black history will be shared by both students and staff.

“At MMW, we strive to highlight the importance of inclusion in our school community.,” said Dalton Knes, Assistant Principal at Minnetonka Middle School West. “During the month of February, we focus on educating students about the importance of understanding Black History and how it has shaped America today.”

“We also want our students to continue to see and understand how everyone belongs in our school, and that, as a school community, we celebrate the backgrounds and contributions of everyone in our school and others throughout history,” said Jenny Van Aalsburg, Assistant Principal at Minnewashta Elementary.

Minnetonka High School is continuing its student-led morning announcement series with students interviewing Black leaders from Minnesota. Members of the MHS Student Belonging Committee have organized interviews spotlighting local community members who have had a great impact and who have left a legacy. These segments will air throughout the month of February. Additionally, students from the MHS Art Department worked with students to create portraits of people of color who have influenced the world. Each portrait is displayed at MHS and has a QR code next to it that can be scanned to learn more about the people in the paintings.