Why are the girls wearing big poofy dresses, and why are the boys wearing knickers? “It’s the Dickens Fest that’s why.” What’s a Dickens Fest? Well, for starters, the Dickens Fest is a culmination of a unit study about the life of Charles Dickens, and digging deeper into the story of his life while reading his novela, A Christmas Carol. During the Dickens Fest we simulate the life and times of the Victorian Era. It’s a community event where the students of ECA perform and participate with their family and friends. Given the current circumstances related to the Covid outbreak, we’ve adapted it into a “family style” event where the students are grouped by their CAP class as their “family” instead.

“That sounds like tons of fun. Who came up with the Dickens Fest. And when did it start?” you might be asking. The Dickens Fest was started by a group of 8th grade teachers back in 2002 – 2003, one of them being former ELA teacher Mrs. Sabbath as well as Dr. Horner, who still works for the district now. “Oh really, that’s sick. How else do you celebrate Dickens Fest?” Well, there’s tons of activities we partake in during this fun time of year, one of them being Christmas caroling and going out to spread cheer in the district. Students go to every 5th – 8th grade window and sing various Christmas songs to set the theme for the rest of the day. We also have Social Studies teacher Mrs. Leipe and Science teacher Ms. Pelly give each class a presentation on the history, science, and technology of the Victorian era. Math teacher Mrs. Brady, meanwhile, hosts a craft station where students create beaded wreaths, Santa origamis, and paper snowflakes as a memento of their participation. Students also learn and participate in a Victiorian era dance and games, one of which being musical chairs. Last but not least, it can’t be the Victorian era without a formal tea party. Students sit and talk about the etiquette of the time at a formal tea, and will even take part in enjoying some of the foods that people from the Victorian era ate themselves.

“That sounds amazing, I can’t wait till I’m able to be a part of it one day.” It is amazing; ELA teacher Mr. Broomhead claims that, after the Dickens Fest, it’s the talk of the town for the rest of the school year. It’s something that students always come back to visit and wonder if we still host it. But none of this would have been possible if we didn’t have the help from all the aforementioned 8th grade staff, plus Physical Education teachers Mrs. Saparito and Mr. White, band director Mr. Seals, ELA teachers Mrs. McSorley and Mrs. Kaplan, Math teacher Mr. DiPasquale, and support teacher Mrs. Anaya.