4th graders learn about Iroquois culture at BOCES honor program

On March 10, six Barringer Road fourth graders joined students from seven area schools to learn about our region's Native Americans. Herkimer BOCES hosted the students as part of the "Iroquois Indians” Herkimer BOCES Honors Program.

Randy Phillips helped the fourth graders develop a deeper understanding of the Iroquois people, their culture, customs and history. He is a retired teacher from Oneida City School District and serves as the assistant manager of education programs at the Oneida Indian Nation.

“Randy shared a tremendous collection of native artifacts that helped students connect to the learning,” said Herkimer BOCES Honors Program Coordinator Deborah Schoff.

“They explored and practiced parts of the Oneida language. They also viewed and discussed native-produced animations that showcased lessons taught to children, focusing on the moral of the story.”

Phillips presented each student with a gift from the Oneida Indian Nation – a bag containing educational materials and a book, “Feathers and Fur: Three Haudenosaunee Animal Tales.”

“Randy is an outstanding educator,” Schoff said. “His knowledge and ability to engage and connect with the students created an amazing learning experience. Our students were fortunate to have experienced this program and enjoyed Mr. Phillips’ lessons and activities.”

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.