Fifth Grade Family Tree Project

Each year the fifth grade students gather information on their ancestors. Students compile stories about different ancestors using various sources and present those stories to the class. The information gathered is added to a database that can be used by others in future years. We can trace most families from this area back to the 1700s and many even further back. Using this information, students are then able to identify all the other students to whom they are related. The information is also added to our ever-expanding database.

Background

Little Chute was settled by Dutch immigrants starting in 1848. Today, almost all of our students descend from these Dutch immigrants. Because of that, many students are related to many of the other students in the class. Often two students are related in many different ways. The most exciting part of the project is when students find out who they are related to and who is related to the teacher.

This project allows students to gather information about their ancestors that they may one day share with their children and grandchildren. Interviews with grandparents and other elder family members provide an opportunity for sharing old family stories, information and photos.

A field trip is taken to St. John Nepomucene Cemetery where students find the graves of ancestors. At the conclusion, a prayer service is held to pray for all the ancestors and other relatives that are buried there.

The database we use is online at and available for others to use for their own research. Information on living people is withheld. Only information for those who are deceased is available. The database can be accessed at the RootsWeb.com Web site. If you have information that you would like to share and possibly contribute to our ongoing project, please click HERE to send a message to Mr. Paul West.