Czech School brings language, history and culture to area youth

Less than two weeks after summer vacation began, Lexi Tenney was back in school – Czech School.

“It just came up and I thought ‘OK, I think I'll like it,'” Lexi, 7, said.

She was right.

For almost five weeks, the soon-to-be second-grader has learned the alphabet, letters and songs in the Czech language. The school's last day for this summer is Friday. Lexi already knows she'll be back next year.

“It's exciting,” she said.

The Czech School has been a tradition for Cedar Rapids youngsters of Czech heritage since 1870.

“When it was started, it was for children who spoke Czech at home, but didn't know how to read or write it,” said Cecelia Wolter, the school's coordinator.

According to Wolter's research, an estimated 7,500 to 8,000 children attended Czech Schools throughout the country at one time. Chicago was said to have 19 schools at one time.

Today, very few are still in operation.

“From what I could find, it seemed like they were all kind of connected,” Wolter said. “Now there's only a couple surviving and we're one of them.”

The school, which is held at Wilson Elementary School, focuses on the Czech language, teaching students basic vocabulary and conversation skills, as well as history and culture.

About 30 kids are enrolled in this summer's school.

“I like learning a new language and all the other fun activities we do,” said Ford Loskill, 11.

The school also offers evening classes for adults.

Donna Merkle is finishing her fourth year as the school's music director.

“It's part of my heritage,” she said. “I am personally involved and I like to see the traditions carried on with the younger generation.”

Slepicka describes Czech School is bringing culture and traditions to students who understand their heritage, but are also removed from it.

“They don't always realize the connection,” Slepicka said.

His goal is to share information with the students that will stay with them as they grow older.

“Maybe is will create some longer connection later,” he said.

Language is the main focus – as well as the focus for adult classes held in the evening – but all teachers said they share information students express an interest in, such as politics.

“We show them pictures of Prague and tell them interesting things about Czech,” Daria said.

“Things most people in Czech would know,” Regina added. “It's interesting to see how fast they learn.”

Program Friday

The Czech School's end-of-session program, featuring student music and an ice cream social, starts at 7 p.m. Friday at Wilson Middle School, 2301 J St. SW, Cedar Rapids. A $3 donation is requested.