WWII History Class

HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS

Learn History First-Hand, Remotely

Paul Downey ‘92 Assistant Director of Marketing & Communications

Although in-person learning, with its emphasis on discussion around Harkness tables, has continued at the High School despite the restrictions of the COVID-19 pandemic, Ensworth has not been able to welcome outside guests and speakers to campus. Mr. Chanaca’s World War II class, for example, usually hosts an annual campuswide assembly honoring invited veterans who also visit classes to offer their memories and opinions of armed service. Jonathan Smith, a student in the class, observed: “It was very interesting to hear the story of a family living in Nazi Germany from a direct relative. The knowledge that her family’s story added to the class contributed greatly to the overall understanding of the war and its effects on individuals, not just the world. I am very grateful that, despite the COVID-19 pandemic, the class was able to learn the story of a family who escaped Nazism and better understand the war on a personal level.”

Likewise, Chanaca’s class was unable to visit The National WWII Museum in New Orleans due to travel restrictions. Another student, Lainey Garside, recalled, “Hearing her This interactive learning opportunity helps students see the grandfather’s story was so incredible and moving. It gave us world through others from different a deeper dive into the lives of average generations who have had a variety of experiences. With Ensworth’s “I am very grateful citizens during the war, and hearing about a real account made it all the more investment in technology resources and faculty training to overcome the that, despite interesting.” challenges of the pandemic, however, the COVID-19 In November, the class hosted a virtual Mrs. Chanaca has helped bring this vital oral history to his students. pandemic, the veterans celebration and roundtable discussion. Guests included many class was able to repeat visitors and even a few who were After the Spring 2020 implementation of remote learning, many teachers like learn the story of a never able to make it because they live elsewhere, including Mr. Chanaca’s Chanaca who had relied heavily upon Harkness discussion had to pivot their family who escaped nephew, Matt Nieswand, currently a pilot in the Navy. classroom methods. Once back in the Nazism and better classroom this fall, as a seasoned veteran at Zoom videoconferencing, he quickly understand the war Bob Thomas, a West Point grad, tank commander, and friend of Mr. Chanaca, found how to use the technology to bring on a personal level.” joined the Zoom call after many years history to life. as an in-person guest. “I always enjoy listening to other veterans sharing During the first quarter, Mr. Chanaca’s Jonathan Smith, Class of 2022 their experiences,” he remarks. “The class studied the biographies of real biggest takeaway, though, is the students Germans and the situations in which they acted heroically to and their interest in our experiences. It reaffirms that save the lives of Jews during the Nazi regime. Students were this upcoming generation will carry on with the American tasked with relating what they would do as that person and why, tradition. Hooah!” linking up the German’s biography and beliefs with the action. “It is important to recognize,” the assignment reads, “that all Chanaca does acknowledge the value of face-to-face humans are susceptible to the danger of inhumane acts and to communication, especially in its relation to sharing the acts of amazing kindness and sacrifice.” human experience. “It is more important now than ever to teach civil discourse and personal interaction in a positive Through the family connections of one student, the class and knowledge-based approach,” Chanaca asserted during received a virtual visit from the granddaughter of one such the pandemic. “No video will ever take the place of human German. Karen Latus’ grandfather, Fritz, endured Nazi interaction. Nothing can replace watching facial expressions, persecution in his childhood as a Quaker and later escaped referencing a previous student comment in person, and using with his sister to America. The talk educated students on the human connection to make verbal interaction honest yet plight that many groups endured under Nazi rule and on how a supportive.” growing evil can be tolerated by a whole society.