George C. Marshall International Center partners with BRMS

Over the two days on May 7 and 8, the 7th grade history classes at Blue Ridge Middle School partnered with Leesburg’s George C. Marshall International Center’s Middle School Outreach Program to create a truly authentic learning experience. 

The Center provides no-cost World War II programming to LCPS middle schools during the spring semester (April-May) when 7th grade history classes study the United States’ role in World War II and its aftermath, including the Marshall Plan and the Cold War. 

In the classrooms, several docents provided a presentation on General Marshall’s life, “suitcase” presentations of historical artifacts from the Marshall House that allowed for a hands-on learning experience, discussions designed to pique students’ interest, and interactive exercises on leadership
and problem-solving linked to World War II, the Marshall Plan, and the Cold War. 

One student, Alex Kula reflected, “There was a lot of information I learned about George C. Marshall and the Marshall Plan. Marshall was a selfless leader of our nation.” 

Mrs. Cassidy, a Blue Ridge Middle School 7th grade history teacher said, “I truly value our partnership with the Marshall Foundation at Blue Ridge. The docents are so excited to share their knowledge of George C. Marshall and his contributions during WWII and the Marshall plan. We appreciate their generosity and kindness with our students.”

Blue Ridge Middle School and Loudoun County Public Schools, as a whole, values its partners in education like this one. Having businesses contribute to our students’ education is valuable because it
makes for deep and memorable learning experiences. Blue Ridge is thankful for this recent contribution by the Marshall Center volunteers bringing history to life in the classroom.