The idea, born from the creative minds of Principal Roxanne Thomas and her team of deans, began with the leaders dressed up as flight attendants, pushing a snack cart through the school halls during a culture-building event. That morphed into plans for a tour of the world for lucky first and second graders, eager to explore and learn.
Students were supplied with passports and boarding passes for their “flights.”
The seven chosen destinations—Jamaica, Italy, Puerto Rico, Hawaii, the Philippines, the Dominican Republic, and Mexico—were carefully selected to provide a rich and diverse cultural experience for the young learners. Each classroom took on the responsibility of immersing students in the language, cuisine, and traditions of their assigned destination.
The entryway for the Hawaii destination.
From the lively beats of Dominican music to the tantalizing flavors of Jamaican, Italian, Puerto Rican, and Mexican cuisines, students were treated to a sensory feast. The classrooms also engaged in cultural celebrations, like donning leis in Hawaii and crafting lanterns from the Philippines.
To kick off the virtual adventure, students boarded their imaginary plane, piloted by the school's Special Education teacher, Joseph Racanello. The excitement was palpable as students presented passports and boarding passes, expertly crafted by Moral Focus teacher Krystal Broodie-Stewart. The attention to detail added an extra layer of authenticity to the experience, making the virtual journey feel remarkably real.
Flight times were posted for destinations.
The virtual trip served as a joyous conclusion to the school's spirit week, engaging both students and parents in a memorable and educational experience. It’s no wonder the school has outperformed the local district for the past 12 years.
Principal Thomas and the dedicated team of teachers at Brooklyn Scholars once again demonstrated their commitment to fostering a positive and engaging learning environment. The virtual trip around the world not only brought smiles to the faces of young learners but also showcased the power of creativity and collaboration in education. It was, indeed, a journey to remember.
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About Brooklyn Scholars Charter School
Brooklyn Scholars Charter School is a tuition-free, public charter school in Brooklyn, New York, serving students in kindergarten through eighth grade. It is part of the National Heritage Academies network, which includes more than 100 tuition-free, public charter schools serving more than 65,000 students in kindergarten through 12th grade across nine states. For more information, visit nhaschools.com.
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