Salmon on Parade at Shaw Elementary

WASILLA — “This is the coolest thing we have ever done!” said Larry Bekkedahl, as he posed for a picture with this two children and their colorfully embellished salmon creation. It represents his family’s connection with the Philippines and tells the story of their migration to Alaska.

The sentiment was repeated many times by many people Feb. 25 during the culminating event of Shaw Elementary School’s “Salmon on Parade” project.

Excitement filled the air as more than 450 people enjoyed a potluck dinner with dishes representing family traditions and cultures. Smoked salmon, casseroles and even green Jell-O (reportedly common in Utah) lined the long tables of food. More than 200 salmon, decorated to tell each family’s story, were displayed throughout the gym and hallways, where guests remarked at the variety, diversity and creativity of each family.

“This was the most attended event in our school’s five year history,” reported the school’s principal, Karl Schleich.

It all started in July 2010 when a grant opportunity came across Schleich’s desk. Crayola and the National Association of Elementary School Principals (NAESP) wanted to fund 20 schools for innovative programs aimed at fostering children’s critical thinking, creativity, collaboration and communication skills. He floated the idea with art and PE teacher Kim Reid, who had in her treasure chest of ideas a project modeled after the Salmon on Parade event conducted annually in Anchorage. In August, the concept was presented to staff, whose support would be essential to the success of the project that could conceivably include every member of the school community from staff to students to parents and families. The proposal was written, and in September Shaw was notified of its award of a $2,500 monetary grant and $500 worth of Crayola products. Title 1 Family Involvement funds rounded out the project budget, and things were set in motion.

The project began for students and families in November, when students were invited to interview their parents. What is our family’s last name? What kind of name is it? (i.e. French, English, Russian, etc.) Who was our first relative to live in Alaska? About when did they come? What is our ethnic heritage? Why did our relatives choose to live in Alaska? Are there any especially interesting stories we have about traveling to or living in Alaska? What special Alaskan traditions or celebrations do we practice?

Using the results of these interviews, students then set about writing their stories using the writing process they are growing familiar with in class. Students produced a body of work now on display in the school’s library.

“Publishing and giving our students an audience is extremely motivational to students to produce their best work,” said Schleich. “Plus, there are some very clever stories and many that have given us insights into the families we serve.”

On February’s student-led conference day each family picked up a wooden salmon blank to take home and decorate. They also had access to dozens of types of supplies to use as embellishments, including fabric, paint, tiles, stones, stickers, paper and much more. Art teacher Reid welcomed families, gave them a quick orientation and invited them to see some examples created by staff members.

“We want your salmon to represent your family story,” she said to each family that came to the gym. By the end of the long conference day, more than 250 salmon — one per household — had been given away to eager family members.

A primary goal of the project was to encourage communication within the school community.

That goal was brought to fruition the evening of the Salmon on Parade potluck with an hour of storytelling. Families joined other families in classrooms throughout the school, where a staff member facilitated the storytelling process. With family decorated salmon as the impetus, families shared their stories of how they ended up here and what they love to do out and about in Alaska.

“We learned so much about our families that we never knew,” said English language learner teacher Mary Kay Hoffman. “It was a most amazing evening for our school.”

At the end of the evening, families were given the choice to keep their salmon or leave it with the school to become part of a permanent art installation.

“There were a lot of families who were very proud of their completed salmon,” said Reid. “Many did not want to give theirs up!”

That was fine. The salmon did their job of opening up lines of communication and strengthening relationships that will benefit the Shaw school community for many years to come.