Sixth-grade students from Washington Mill and Woodley Hills Elementary Schools got an extra dose of education about George Washington during this year's President's Day weekend.
Last Friday morning, they headed over to Mount Vernon for a presentation by Brian Jones, General Counsel, US Department of Education, and a viewing of a new President's Day film produced by the History Channel.
Mount Vernon Estate Executive Director Jim Rees greeted the students and started asking them questions about George Washington. "What were his false teeth made out of?"
While some suggested that it was wood, one student correctly guessed cow's teeth.
"What did he throw across the Potomac River?"
Nothing, because it was too wide, but he might have thrown a rock across the Rappahannock River located near his birthplace.
"Did he chop down a cherry tree?"
Probably not. Washington loved nature and probably wouldn't have done that.
The students all seemed to know their history, even the last question, which was a tough one. "What happened to Washington at the age of 11?"
Several students seemed to know that was when his father died.
Christine Miller, who works for the US Department of Education, said that the US Department of Education awarded a $1million grant to elementary schools for the purpose helping teachers to teach about United States History.
She also said, "Videos like the one you'll see today will also help you learn about history."
Brian Jones, General Counsel, US Department of Education, said, "I'm impressed at how much you [students] know.î"
He also asked the students some questions, like, "Why should we bother to celebrate American presidents?" "What was so special about President Washington?" and "Why is it hard to be first?"
Jones explained that the Department of Education worked with the History Channel to put together this video so that students would get a better understanding of why we celebrate President's Day. Jones encouraged students to "take your knowledge and share it; that's what it means to be a good citizen."
Washington Mill Principal Tish Howard said, "The format of the movie was particularly well thought out. It combined just the right amount of historical data, humor and big name recognition to hold the interest of the children. It was very informative for both adults and kids. Well Done."
After the viewing of the film, several students from Washington Mill, including Vicki Rosinski, Taylor Robinson, Myisha Goodwin, Jordan Hellmuth, Cameron Pelkey, Michael Murdock, Kelly Kitchen, Jessie Souders and Kyle Ahn, presented their thoughts on President's Day.