Middle school turns medieval

Maya Kukes

HILLSIDE DISTRICT -- A falcon, a hawk and an owl were just a few of

the creatures on hand at the Medieval Faire at John Muir Middle School.

The Wednesday fair was part of a seventh-grade unit about European

history that focuses on the time between antiquity and the Renaissance,

from 476 to 1453. The event came complete with medieval-inspired art

projects, music, dancing, games and theatrical performances.

Many of the teachers and 480 students dressed up in traditional period

garb.

"It made history come alive for them," social studies teacher Roberta

Perlis said. "The medieval era now has a lot more meaning for the

students. As they get older, they're going to remember this always.

They're going to say, 'Remember when we were in seventh grade?"'