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Fifth graders are currently reading Number the Stars, by Lois Lowry, a book set in Nazi-occupied Denmark during WWII. To further enrich and personalize the student's global perspective, they Skyped with Fred Pattje, who as a child lived in Nazi-occupied Amsterdam.

Students asked many questions about the Nazi's and what life was like at that time. Fred enthusiastically shared many memories including some about a Nazi soldier who lived in their garage, how they had to ration sugar and butter, and how sirens and tanks could always be heard. He even told a story of how the Jewish family who lived across the street was pulled from their house, never to be seen again. Fred also fondly remembered the American and Canadian soldiers who eventually came through town to end the occupation.

He imparted to the students they should learn from history and they should trust in their Christian education to lead them down the right path in life.

Fred Pattje (a longtime friend of sixth grade teacher, Alan Bartlett) moved to Canada at age 19 and is currently a City Councilor in Nanaimo, British Columbia. And of course, he answered a question about the Olympics from the perspective of a Canadian.

Fifth graders have also invited members of their family to share memories with their classmates. Guests, Annette Boling (Ben C's grandmother) lived in Denmark (the setting of the book), and John Ropp (Mrs. Ropp's father-in-law), fought in WWII. Students will also Skype with Wilson Green (Kathryn W's grandfather), who also fought in WWII.