Wellington Third-Graders Celebrate Ancient Rome With Eisenhower Toga Party

WELLINGTON, Kan. — Third-grade students at Eisenhower Elementary School transformed their classrooms into ancient Rome last week, donning togas and participating in the school's annual Roman Toga Party.

The immersive educational experience introduced students to Roman civilization through hands-on activities including lessons about famous Roman ruins, Roman gods and goddesses, social classes and the life of Julius Caesar, according to Wellington Public Schools.

Students dressed as different members of Roman society, with roles ranging from slaves to consuls. The celebration featured a plebeian marketplace where students bought and sold goods, along with dining and reclining activities meant to simulate ancient Roman customs.

The day concluded with a Roman forum, allowing students to discuss their learning and discoveries about the ancient civilization.

The event is part of the school's annual curriculum for third-graders studying world history.

In other Wellington school news, Lincoln Elementary students participated in a "money grab" fundraiser last week, selling Red Wheel items in September and October to raise money for field trips, classroom supplies and playground equipment.

Students returned permission slips daily to see if their teacher would wear a superhero hat the following day, with proceeds going toward Popsicle parties for the class. One student sold 10 items, earning their name in a drawing for additional entries. Students could earn more entries for every five items sold.

On the final day of the fundraiser, three students were randomly selected to grab as much cash as possible in 10 seconds. The students reached their goal of 600 items sold, with Principal Hagans wearing the silly hat for a full week as promised.