Boerne ISD is proud to announce that fifth-grade students at Curington Elementary School have made history as the first elementary school group to have their work featured at the Holocaust Memorial Museum of San Antonio. Their deeply thoughtful and visually impactful display was created in honor of Holocaust Remembrance Week and reflects the students' engagement with themes of courage, empathy, and moral responsibility.
The project centers around the book Terrible Things by Eve Bunting, an allegorical tale used to introduce students to the complex history of the Holocaust. Through this lens, students explored the importance of standing up against injustice and the lasting impact of silence in the face of wrongdoing. Their reflections were both analytical and emotional, with many responses emphasizing the courage it takes to speak out and support others.
In addition to their written work, students created original artwork designed to convey key themes such as persecution, bravery, and hope. The visual components include symbolic imagery such as bridges, figures on cliffs, reaching hands, and traced handprints containing the phrase “Stand Up” which is a direct and powerful call to action.
The entire display is thoughtfully arranged across a hallway railing, with panels wrapping around walls, inviting viewers to walk through the exhibit and engage with each student’s perspective.
Boerne ISD applauds these students and their educators for this outstanding achievement and for bringing compassion and awareness to such an important moment in history.
Sources: Boerne ISD Communications, Holocaust Memorial Museum of San Antonio
Blog by: Diana Xiao