Schools
The Blue and the Gray Face Off Wednesday at La Mesa Middle School
History teacher Eileen LaVine says kids respond well when they have something from the past to hold.
If you live near and all hell seems to break loose there Wednesday morning, don’t call the cops.
It’s just the War between the States.
Eighth-graders at the school are bringing history to life through a Civil War re-enactment. Spearheaded by history teacher Eileen LaVine, the tradition came with her when she transferred last year from .
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“I have always loved history,” said Lavine, who’s taught the subject for 23 years. “Maybe it was the stories, or perhaps being a Navy brat living overseas (where) I got to go to so many historic places—I’m not sure.”
Over the years, Lavine has relied on several organizations for re-enactment expertise, including volunteers from The Society for Creative Anachronism. She says other people require compensation and, even though she’s pretty frugal, it’s worth the cost.
Find out what's happening in La Mesa-Mount Helixwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
“I know that when kids get the chance to hold something that has relevance historically—or even replicas—it makes a difference,” Lavine said.
The event takes place from 10 a.m. to noon Wednesday, May 25, and involves the use of black powder that will “shoot” from weapons and cause loud noises, school officials say.
