On Halloween most would expect to find a devil, a vampire or maybe a couple of Power Rangers on their doorstep. But Martha Washington or Lewis and Clark? These may not be your ordinary costumes, but they were in Mark Armstrong's U.S. history classes. This was only a small example of the interactive and imaginative way that Armstrong approaches the subject of history.
For Armstrong's students, Halloween was a chance to take a historical character and make it come to life. In addition, students got 20 extra-credit points if they wore the costume all day.
Costumes ranged from a puritan to Al Capone, from Mark Twain to Jackie Kennedy.
Junior Ryan Wardinsky spent the day as the baseball player Micky Mantle.
"I picked my costume as a tribute to the world champion New York Yankees," said Wardinsky. "And besides that, it was loads of fun."
This event has become a tradition for Armstrong. He has done it at three different high schools, including FHS, for the 15 years he has been teaching.
However, events like this aren't rare to students who have become accustomed to Armstrong's way of teaching. His lectures are full of information and also packed with comedy. In addition, Armstrong emphasizes what he calls "experiential" or interactive learning.
For example, when studying the American Revolution, the classes also held a "Geraldo" talk show with King George. While Armstrong posed as King George, the students were colonists demanding freedom from England.
"The other way is boring," said Armstrong of learning by only lectures and notes. However, he stresses the fact that though some information may be redundant, it is important to learn.
Armstrong challenges his students to see the "Big Picture."
"They (students) have got to be honest," he said. "They have to work hard, and they have to do more than just sit in their desks. Every day."
"The usual history class is so structured and cut and dry," said junior Shanna Westphal. "He makes it more fun to learn. He's my favorite teacher."
"It made the class get excited and participate more than if he was just lecturing and we were just listening," said former student Meg Alley.
Armstrong doesn't allow excuses, but challenges his students to rise above the usual.
Says Armstrong: "There are no bibs in here."