The Jacksonville Elks Lodge Americanism Committee visited Waterleaf Elementary School to promote Americanism to the kindergarten and first grade hard of hearing and deaf class April 6. They opened the presentation with the national anthem, Pledge of Allegiance and a moment of silence. Members taught the meaning of the pledge and flag etiquette and presented a classroom flag and pledge kits to each student, which included a personal flag, flag stickers, activity worksheets and a take-home flag lapel pin stapled to the Elks U.S.A. “About Our Flag” brochure to share with their parents. The students were excited to receive the flags and the pledge memory worksheets so they could practice at home with their family and memorize the Pledge of Allegiance. The lodge donated $300 to help start this program for the 2023-2024 term. When asked how the Elks communicated their messages to the students, Carla Ray Rhymes, Americanism Lodge Chair, said, “technology allows for them to have cochlear implants and amplification devices. This is an all-verbal deaf and hard of hearing program provided by Duval County Public School. I know basic American Sign Language to better communicate when necessary with my grandson, who is in this classroom. I also volunteer twice a week within this program. Due to my volunteering, I have established relationships with the students to communicate on a better level.” On May 4, the committee made a 30-day follow-up visit to the class. Most of the students memorized the pledge from beginning to end. One of the students who required minimal assistance was upset and asked to try again, which was the perfect example of patriotic awareness and pride from a kindergartener.
Pictured are Ms. Fernandez, teacher; students Malachi Rackley, Jace Gibbs, Tyrelle Franklin, Eli Smith (Rhymes’ grandson), and Keilia Kwizera Jolly; and Carla Ray Rhymes, Americanism Lodge Chair.
Also pictured are the worksheets.