Students at the Ryan Elementary School in Tewksbury were steeped in artifacts and the culture of ancient Egypt recently.

Thanks to a grant from the Tewksbury Cultural Council, a local agency which is supported by the Massachusetts Cultural Council, a state agency, Paulette Morin's Having Fun with Pyramids and Pharaohs was presented to the sixth grade. This interactive and lively production is a returning favorite to the Ryan. Students engaged in a question and answer session, had hands-on opportunities for artifacts, watched a slide presentation, and the modeled some replica ancient Egyptian jewelry and ceremonial items.

Morin covered ancient rituals, embalming techniques, and involved the students with music and dancing. The program is aligned with the social studies curriculum and enhanced the students' exposure to a fascinating ancient civilization. The program was arranged and co-sponsored by the Ryan Parent Advisory Council (PAC).