Fourth graders from eight local school districts recently participated in a day of learning focused on the Iroquois people through the Herkimer-Fulton-Hamilton-Otsego BOCES Honors Program.
Randy Phillips, a retired teacher from Oneida City School District and the assistant manager of education programs at the Oneida Indian Nation, shared his knowledge as he taught students about the Iroquois people, their culture, customs and their history.
“Mr. Phillips engaged students in discussions, group activities and crafts that helped them develop a deeper understanding of the Iroquois people,” Herkimer BOCES Honors Program Coordinator Deborah Schoff said. “His vast collection of native artifacts helped connect students to the learning.”
The “Iroquois Indians” Honors Program event took place on Monday, March 9, at the Herkimer BOCES Gateway Center in Herkimer with fourth graders from Central Valley, Dolgeville, Frankfort-Schuyler, Herkimer, Little Falls, Poland, Richfield Springs and West Canada Valley.
Students enjoyed exploring the Oneida language, making corn husk dolls and viewing native-produced animations that taught lessons and focused on the moral of a story, Schoff said.
“This was a great learning experience for all of us,” Schoff said.
The Herkimer BOCES Honors Program is open to students in Herkimer BOCES component school districts and is designed to support the potential of students in grades 3-12 who have above average interests and abilities in a particular area. Programs allow for interaction with like-minded peers. Students learn by engaging in educational activities with presenters who are noted in their field. Exploration and programs provide for different learning styles and include topics in the arts and sciences as well as literature and history. Ongoing evaluation of all programs by teachers and students assures their relevance and quality.
Randy Phillips, a retired teacher from Oneida City School District and the assistant manager of education programs at the Oneida Indian Nation, presents to local fourth graders during the “Iroquois Indians” Herkimer-Fulton-Hamilton-Otsego BOCES Honors Program event on Monday, March 9, at the Herkimer BOCES Gateway Center in Herkimer.
