Honoring EARTH DAY!
Posted by Joshua BartosiewiczUnquowa students in grades 1-8 visited Beardsley Zoo in Bridgeport, CT in celebration of EARTH DAY! As you may know, we as humans share this planet with MILLIONS of different species of plants, animals and other organisms; so we decided to honor EARTH DAY by visiting the zoo to connect with just a few of the species that the planet helps provide for. Students saw animals as small as prairie dogs, as big as Bison, as gentle as a two-toed sloth and as vicious as a Leopard! During this trip, we also sat in on a Wildlife show were the zoo keepers brought out a turtle and legless lizard for everyone to see and learn about. This talk truly made everyone think about how one type of animal can be crucial for the survival of multiple other species, this significant species is referred to as a Keystone species. By the end of our day (which included a scavenger hunt through the zoo!), our students felt their place and connection with the other organisms that we’re lucky enough to share this beautiful planet with. The students have a better understanding of why it’s important to protect mother Earth!
Lunch and Conversation!
Posted by Carina BlackwellRecently, our seventh and eighth grade language students went on a lunch field trip!
The purpose of this trip was to practice their language skills outside of the classroom, and to have a better understanding of the culture. The Spanish students went to an authentic, Columbian restaurant where they ordered their food in Spanish, and even tried to do the traditional dance. Meanwhile, Mandarin students went to an authentic Sichuan cuisine restaurant to experience the culture. They were not only there to place an order in Mandarin, but also to try to start a conversation with the staff.
All the language students were engaged and motivated to participate in this wonderful journey, in a realistic environment. They should be all proud of themselves for speaking a foreign language and not being afraid of making mistakes. It’s all about learning to become comfortable when speaking, and learning that you really can do it!
#GOGATORS #UNAFRAIDSPIRITS
Celebrating the Unsung Heroes in History
Posted by Krissy PondenUnsung heroes are individuals who accomplished incredible acts of bravery and compassion during their lifetimes but remain largely unknown to contemporary generations. Each student selected an Unsung Hero and researched their story by identifying important events, historical context, and relevant artifacts. They also reflected on how the hero’s story is relevant today and what we can learn from their character traits and actions. The students then created a work of art in a media of their choice that illuminates the hero’s story and honors their contributions. Students wrote artist statements demonstrating their learning and sharing the insights they gained from doing this project. The projects were shared with our school community during an evening art reception and presentation where students read their statements alongside their work.
where students read their statements alongside their work.
Click Here to view the complete “Unsung Heroes” online gallery.
Turkish Coffeehouse Sip + Tweet
Posted by Ariel Warshaw7th grade Humanities students wrapped their study of the Middle East by learning about the history of coffee. When they arrived to class, they were excited to see that the room had been transformed into a Turkish coffeehouse from 1633! We read about how Ottoman Sultan Murad IV outlawed the consumption and trade of coffee, along with the establishment of coffeehouses, throughout the empire. The students were shocked to learn that those who violated this decree faced fines, imprisonment, and even death!
Black History Month – a Time For Reflection
Posted by Krissy PondenIn the month of February Unquowa celebrated Black leaders, recognizing their innovations in science and contributions to history, literature, art, and mathematics.
- PreK students enjoyed reading and discussing the famous Black women in the book, Dream Big Little Leader. They asked lots of questions and celebrated each other’s uniqueness.
- Kindergarten students read a variety of books and discussed important historical figures such as Martin Luther King Jr., Ruby Bridges, and George Washington Carver.
- First graders began each morning in BHM month reading and discussing figures from both the past and the present. Students focused on artist Kehinde Wiley, abolitionist Sojourner Truth, and gymnast Simone Biles among others.
- Second graders incorporated BHM into their literacy time. After a group read aloud, students read independently or in small groups to practice reading strategies. They discovered the stories of Henry Box Brown, Dave the Potter, Satchel Page, and Jackie Robinson.
- Each third grader researched a famous Black leader, created detailed portraits and wrote a poem about the life and achievements of that leader.
- Fourth graders puzzled together a large portrait of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and decorated it with their own dreams. They created illustrated timelines highlighting important events in history to recognize the efforts that African Americans have made in the struggle for equity and justice.
- In literature class, fifth graders read Sweet Clara and the Freedom Quilt, a story about a young African American girl who sewed a map to freedom in a quilt. In humanities, students also read about Etta James and listened to her music, learned about Jean Michel Basquiat in art and created mixed media paintings inspired by his work.
- Sixth, seventh, and eighth grade art classes learned about a different Black artist each week and sixth graders further discussed artists such as Kerry James Marshall and Bisa Butler.
- Seventh graders watched Titus Kaphar’s TED talk, “Can Art Amend History?” and in Mr. Izen’s Spanish class students were tasked with a project to create a video or an essay highlighting both a Black and Hispanic person that has brought a positive contribution to society.
- Eighth graders visited the Ruby and Calvin Fletcher African American History Museum to deepen their historical analysis on their studies of race, slavery, Reconstruction, and Jim Crow America They also learned about the origins and innovations of Afrofuturism.
Teachers also participated in professional development discussions on how to ensure they are presenting inclusive and celebratory representation during Black History Month. They had the opportunity to create “zines” inspired by Black-Latina educator and art activist Jennifer White-Johnson’s project, “Zine-Making for Justice and Joy”, that she led at the Smithsonian National Portrait Gallery.
While February was a time to celebrate Black individuals in history, we recognize that Black History is American History, and we strive to embed these lessons and discussions throughout the year at all levels and in all disciplines. It was important to pause and reflect this month to honor the contributions and sacrifices of those who paved the way and those who are continuing to work towards a just and equitable society.
7th Grade Spanish Celebrates Black History Month!
Posted by Thomas IezinFor the last couple of weeks the students in 7th Grade Spanish class have been working on their Black History Month Project. For this project the students have decided to either make a video or an essay in Spanish highlighting both a Black and Hispanic person that has brought a positive contribution to society. Along this research the students also highlighted the reason we should be celebrating the person they selected. The students have chosen to highlight the following people: Rosie Perez, Neil Degrasse Tyson, Sylvia del Villard, Carmelo Anthony, and Jennifer Maritza McCauley.