Just how did the West Side Nut Club begin? Why are we called Nuts? How did the Fall Festival start? Feel the History produced by Reitz High School and Helfrich Park Middle School students explore historic people, events, and structures that help shape Evansville and surrounding areas.
Feel the History is a totally different way of teaching U.S. History. The hope is to capture my slogan and bring it to life. I have used the phrase “Feel the History” since the beginning of my teaching career. When describing the feelings I have in a historic building or at a historically significant sight, I told my students that I could “Feel the history. With the sights, sounds, and smells of the place, you can also envision what happened there. In this new class, we will build a connection between the students and the curriculum. In a totally different approach, we are going to turn kids on to history by turning them into historians. They will be producing short history documentaries and will be responsible for every phase of production. From developing the topics to conducting the research, to gathering primary sources, to interviewing experts and editing footage, students will take ownership of every step of the process. This class will be an exciting journey for my students and me as we learn new technology and explore different historic topics.
Jon Carl Feel the History Advisor and Reitz History Teacher
Jon Carl was honored as Indiana’s No Child Left Behind 2007 American Star of Teaching. On October 10, U.S. Department of Education official Mark Scheessele presented Carl with this award. The American Star of Teaching “recognizes and honors superior teachers with a track record of improving student achievement, using innovative instructional strategies, and making a difference in the lives of their students.” During the school year, Carl’s “Feel the History” students create historical documentaries and become local historical experts. Carl also provides training in social studies instructional strategies for other teachers. Most recently his students filmed interstitials (short interviews) with war veterans that aired between segments of WNIN’s showing of “The War.” Later in the month Carl will again be honored at the 20th anniversary Technology and Learning Conference in Nashville. Carl has been selected as one of the National School Board Association's "20 to Watch" educators for 2007
Tony Bogan, Penny Roby, and Dan Fulton Members of the West Side Nut Club met on a rainy April 19 Saturday morning to complete the annual Spring Project.
The 61st Annual West Side Nut Club Easter Egg Hunt was held Saturday March 22 at Mater Dei High School. Over 2000 people braved the chilly and damp conditions at the west side campus. …
Alan Schaffstein and Jeff Korb The West Side Nut Club held their annual Founder's Day Tuesday May 6, 2008. The evening consisted of honoring its members for their 20, 25, 30, 40, and 50…
The West Side Nut Club held its annual Sports Banquest honoring the seniors from Mater Dei and Reitz on Tuesday, March 4. Special guest speaker for the evening was former Warren Central head…
Paul Neidig Addresses The West Side Nut ClubPaul Neiding, the Central High School Activities Director, EVSC Supervisor of Athletics, and IHSAA Board Member, was the guest speaker at the February 5 West Side Nut…
The recipients of the $8000.00 West Side Nut Club Scholarships are Josh Burton of Reitz and Drew Lappe of Mater Dei. Each year, applications are accepted for the West Side Nut Club Foundation Scholarship.…
Ground was broken on the new Howell Wetlands Education Center Friday April 11. Many fine organizations and companies have donated time and money for this project. The West Side Nut Club is proud…
