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.
Xīn Nián Kuài Lè,Gōng Xǐ Fā Cái
Posted by Carina BlackwellPeople who celebrate Chinese New Year say to each other – Xīn Nián Kuài Lè,Gōng Xǐ Fā Cái – Happy New Year and Wish you Good Fortune.
It is that time of the year again at Unquowa! Last week Mandarin students made enough wontons and dumplings for the entire school to enjoy a Chinese New Year lunch and the younger students practiced their skills with Play-Do! All of our Mandarin students have been learning stories of the Twelve Zodiac Animals, making CNY crafts, and they received a Red Envelope to kick off the year of the Dragon. Instead of having money in the red envelope, this year each student received a pass such as One Day No Homework, Earning Fortune Cookies, White Rabbit and Extra Fifteen Minutes Recess. We are grateful to share this culture with the Unquowa community and we wish everyone a prosperous and healthy New Year!
I Love My Family!
Posted by kellyyehRecently, in Lower School Mandarin class we learned about family members. We all had fun with many games and activities, including playing spot-it game cards, rolling and reading, making family trees/houses, playing Play-Doh Chinese Characters, writing calligraphy, and singing songs. Through games and activities, students enjoy learning Mandarin and the students did a great job!
Cozy Counting
Posted by Maureen DialloThe first graders paired their math skills along with their craft skills to create a cozy representation of the number 100. Using a hand knitting technique, they worked together to create 10 rows of ten stitches. Each first grader thoughtfully and mindfully completed a row as their classmates helped to count the stitches. We took our math learning a step further and thought about our arrangement of stitches in rows and columns as an array. Arrays are useful representations of multiplication concepts (among other ideas in mathematics)!
Sneaking A Peek!
Posted by Karen WilliamsonOur Lower School students were excited to Sneak a Peek at what’s to come for the 24/25 school year by visiting with their future teachers and learning about what new, fun experiences begin when you move up a grade! Our Mandarin teacher highlighted our World Language Program for our future PreK students. Our Science Department Chair got future kindergarteners excited about science experiments. Soon to be first graders were introduced to the experience of having lunch in the dining room. Next year’s second graders worked on a fabric arts project in our Art Studio. Changing clothes for PE is a big change for our third graders, so our rising third grade class teamed up with our PE teachers. Fourth graders spend a lot of time in the makerspace working on STEAM projects, so Saturday, our future fourth graders did too! What’s more fun than spending a Saturday morning at Unquowa?
Sib Squad!
Posted by Sarah RaggioSib squad is not a class, but it is a community that is kind, cooperative, playful and learning every day. This wonderful group of siblings show up each and every day and work like a well oiled machine. Some of our sibs choose to complete their homework. Some sibs are card sharks and always looking for the next game. Some sibs like some peace and quiet after a long stimulating day and curl up with a book. Some sibs play an imaginative game with Miss Deutsch and others challenge Mrs. Raggio in a game of Connect Four or Chicken/Wolf. With a rotating variety of games, the sibs can always find something to do. Whatever their mood, they coexist beautifully for the last 15 minutes of their school day in a kind and nurturing environment. Way to go sibs!