Harvey fifth graders learn a lot can happen in 1,000 days

The fifth graders at Harvey Elementary School celebrated their 1,000th day of school on April 3 with special activities befitting this milestone in their young lives.

The students – who began kindergarten 1,000 days earlier – marked the day by writing their collective best 1,000 memories on posters displayed around the school. They also enjoyed 1,000 extra seconds of recess. And they took part in 1,000 seconds of gym games and exercises, such as parachute pull, basketball relay or one that made the 1,000 seconds (16 minutes) seem really long – running in place!

 According to teacher Barbara Staniszewski, this was the third year her students and those in Harvey’s other fifth grade classrooms celebrated having notched nearly six years in school.
 “Fifth grade is sometimes overlooked,” said Mrs. Staniszewski. “They’re not the youngest, not the oldest – so this is something special just for them.” She added that she thinks fifth graders are the most fun.
“They have opinions and think things through. They are very capable. And they get the jokes!” 
 A few dozen of the students who had been together at Harvey since their first day of kindergarten paused for a group picture with each holding up two fingers, signifying the age they are or soon will be. A lot can happen in 1,000 days the fifth graders realized – from learning to read thick chapter books and do complicated math problems to growing taller each year and mastering new physical skills.
 Asked to recall a favorite memory from their school career so far, several had interesting responses: Newman Young said his best memory occurred on the 999th day – “yesterday” he said – when his class visited the Detroit Institute of Art. He ticked off viewing classic and modern paintings and sculptures, African American art, Chinese sculpture and an Egyptian mummy. Emily Diez recalled her mealworm/beetle science project in fourth grade and even naming her worm “Bob.”

 Emma Fromm remembered meeting her first friend in kindergarten, a girl named Kaitlyn who has since moved to Tennessee. Preston Sherry said he enjoyed the fourth grade field trip to Comerica Park, especially getting a tour of the Tigers’ dugout. One of Sarah Johnston’s fun memories was of the class marshmallow war.

Austin Cole recalled in fourth grade watching baby chicks hatch – especially one named “Butter” – and later releasing them to a farm. Other memorable times from the past 1,000 days included the Jump with Jill assembly, favorite teachers, field day fun, writing to pen pals or being named a “Star Student.” Also recalled were dressing as Pilgrims, field trips to Cranbrook and the Nature Center, friendly class competitions while helping others with food drives, etc. and talent shows.

 Turning the tables a bit, the students were asked to imagine what they would be doing as high school students 1,000 school days from now. For Newman, it was clear he will be studying math, “probably calculus,” he said. Preston is sure he will be getting all A’s and B’s and having his favorite lunch, a submarine sandwich, in the Henry Ford II cafeteria. He also plans to be a lineman on the Falcon football team.

 As a high school junior in April 2020, Emma envisions taking the ACT and looking at colleges like her older cousin is doing.

 Austin looks forward to having a locker and needing a much bigger backpack for the 12 subjects he plans to be taking his junior year at Ford II. Sarah anticipates she will be dissecting frogs at Utica High School while Emily said she can’t wait to be learning to drive.

 One prediction will certainly come true – the next 1,000 school days will pass as quickly and be at least as eventful as the first 1,000 were for these fifth graders.