As kindergartners from Everett School traveled to ancient Egypt on Wednesday, circa 1360 B.C., the only thing missing was the desert sand.
The 13 children in Gloria Lampros’ class were participating in an archeological dig as part of a districtwide project headed by the Association of Parents and Teachers. Each year for eight weeks, mothers donate their time to enhance the study of various historical periods.
Once a week, children in kindergarten through 6th grade “time travel” through history, listen to parent lectures and participate in activities related to a particular era. For example, 1st graders spend eight weeks in the Middle Ages, 2nd graders travel to the Renaissance period, and kindergartners go to Egypt.
“It’s an additional enrichment we can offer, especially because we have a lot of people in the community who can devote time to the school,” said mother Sharon Nudel, dressed up as Queen Nefertiti.
The highlight of the kindergarten program was Wednesday’s treasure hunt for the tomb of the legendary King Tut.
Some students brandished flashlights to aid the search. All the children wore white plastic pith helmets and name tags shaped like the Sphinx. Mother Janis Smith-in her role as Professor Howard Carter, who discovered Tut’s tomb-led the expedition around the school, looking for clues that would lead to the mummy’s treasure.
Throughout the school, students found clues in a clay pot, a drinking fountain labeled the River Nile, a page of hieroglyphics and gold sandals. The key to the tomb was found in principal Charles Accardi’s office.
The hunt ended in a darkened hall, and a storage closet held the treasure. “It’s a mummy case,” student Ryan McGinley exclaimed when the door opened. Inside, softly lit by a red bulb, was a makeshift tomb, complete with a 6-foot blow-up image of Tut’s sarcophagus, gold lame draping, masks and baskets filled with jewelry and food.
“Look at their faces. Look at their eyes. Their excitement is so wonderful,” Accardi said.
Smith warned the students of the fragile nature of their find. “The age of this discovery is so old, if you touch it, it could crumble,” she whispered.
District 67’s time travel program dates back almost 10 years, Nudel said. Parents structure the programs to go with what the pupils are learning in class.
“What we’re trying to do is integrate,” said mother Cindy Rogna. “It works with what teachers are trying to do instead of an extra activity foisted on the teachers.”
