This past Spring, English III students read Farewell to Manzanar by James D. Houston and Jeanne Wakatsuki Houston. This book details the memoir of Jeanne Wakatsuki Houston, a young Japanese American in California during World War II, and the “containment” camp she and her family were forced to relocate to from their home in Long Beach.
English III teacher, Mrs. Peggy Chandler, partnered with history teacher, Mr. Ernesto Serna on this project and presented the question, “Was Japanese internment justified?” This question is a Document-based Question, an instructional technique which presents students with questions for research, reflection and essay writing. Students were guided to gather information in two main areas: war aims and human cost as they explored and researched answers to the question.
On Friday, March 26, 2021, Lytle High School students attended a presentation led by Commander Larry Sanders to listen to WWII veterans’ accounts of true combat during the war. Mrs. Chandler used her phone to video the presentation and Skull Studios students edited portions of each presenter.
This video is such a great example of the value of community partnership in our schools! Thank you, Mrs. Chandler for providing enrichment experiences that result in engaged, well-rounded students!