PICKENS COUNTY—February is a time to put the focus on African American history, and local schools are getting excited for new teaching opportunities.

Several events celebrating African American achievements will certainly highlight the month, but area principals say February offers an important time to learn.

“We can introduce so many things about Black American history in so many ways,” McKissick Elementary Principal Dr. Del Freitag said. “We try to incorporate that in our reading, English language arts and other areas. Our whole motto here is ‘We’re responsible, we’re respecting and we’re ready.’ We can always show important folks in history who have been great models and examples of those things.”

East End Elementary Principal Tammy Day said her school emphasizes the importance in differences.

“We talk about differences that make us unique. Differences can bring out the best in us and encourage our children to be proud of who they are and whatever background they are from, no matter what it might be,” Day said.

Freitag said the goal is to teach students respect, and nothing accomplishes that better than taking a look at those who are respected most.

“Respect is so important in teaching students about people who have been role models and shining examples,” Freitag said. “We teach students about the lives of Martin Luther King Jr. and others and ask, ‘What can we do to help follow in those footsteps?’ We try to apply it to our curriculum as much as possible.”

Day said her teachers put an emphasis on African American history year-round.

“In all of our classrooms our teachers provide children with a prospective of heritage from all view points,” Day said. “We talk about everything from immigration to black history. All of those things are very important.”

“I think it’s important for all students to have something to tie into and be a part of,” Day continued. “While black history month is very important, I think it’s also important to have those same stories and teaching opportunities throughout the year.”

Spearman Elementary Principal Jason Lesley agreed.

“We certainly make sure teachers are including related curriculum (during the month),” Lesley said. “We want to emphasize it as much as possible all year round.”

Gettys Middle School Principal Mike Cory said it is important for his students to find their place with all American history.

“I think it’s important for middle school students to find their place with history,” said Cory. “All of history is important, whether it’s in the old history books or not. It is definitely part of the fabric that made us who we are today. I think you can learn from history and the mistakes in our country’s past.”