Project letter to families!

Fourth grade is the year designated to study Florida history, state government, commerce, etc. In Florida history are we in the period of the Great Depression and the two World Wars. George Sebring purchased 9,000 acres in 1911 to establish the town that now bears his name. Last week we had a dramatic presentation by Mr. Smith of the Civilian Conservation Corps and its impact on Highlands Hammock State Park. Students were fascinated with his re-creation. As was true of Florida in general, Sebring had its boom in the Roaring 20s and bust during the Great Depression.

As students finish their study of Florida history their teachers would seek to instill a love for and understanding of their community. During this last marking period we have planned a project for studying and producing a integrated product on historic Sebring.

Each student is asked to choose a historic organization, building, or feature of Sebring to research. This subject should be at least 50 years old, or tie into Sebring’s past in some way. Most ideal would be if the student has some connection to his/her project. Examples of personal connection could include, but certainly not limited to:

• A business owned by the family or friend, located in a historic building
• A historic home owned by family member or friend
• A school a parent attended
• A neighbor, friend or relative is a fire fighter stationed at the Central Fire Station, works at the Highlands County Court House or Sebring Police Station.
• An organization or church that has been in existence for at least 50 years

Students will create a criteria list of information that they need to gather. We will work in class and in the computer lab to complete our projects. Teachers will help find information, and we will be in touch with Sebring Historical Society personnel. Beyond this, the goal is that most students will choose a project about which they can find information through community resources with which they have direct access. Students will conduct interviews; do on-line searches including the State of Florida’s on-line archives. Our goal is to connect Sebring’s early days with Sebring in 2008.

The following is a list of possible subjects. The list is not exclusive and definitely not exhaustive.

• Sebring Police Station
• Highlands County Court House
• Sebring’s Central Fire Station
• The Circle
• Santa Rosa Hotel
• Many buildings on the Circle & downtown
• Nan-ces-o-wee Hotel
• Kenilworth Lodge
• Harder Hall
• The Pier
• Amtrak Railroad Station
• Lake Sebring Casino (Tea Room)
• Many houses of worship
• Sebring Airport
• Many historic homes
• Highlands Hammock State Park
• The C.C.C. Museum in the Park
• Other Park buildings
• Recreation facilities
• Public schools (example: Sebring High School over the years.)

Our goal is that no subject be duplicated. There is enough choice that every student can have his/her own unique project including the subject matter. If you have a possible item for your child’s project, please submit it. Let’s get creative if we can.

Students will be bringing home a contract and proposal sheet that will need teacher approval before we begin!