Alden Terrace School students recently took part in a schoolwide reading activity as part of the building’s Community Read Initiative, which invites the entire school to read the same book. With the start of Ramadan on the evening of February 28, Alden Terrace School marked the beginning of this special monthlong holiday by bringing the entire school community together in celebration and learning. Scholars in pre-K through sixth grade tuned into a schoolwide virtual read aloud of “Lailah's Lunchbox: A Ramadan Story” by Reem Faruqi, a children’s book about a young girl experiencing Ramadan in a new country.

The story follows Lailah, a young girl who has recently moved from Abu Dhabi to the United States. Through her eyes, readers gain insight into the challenges and joys of adjusting to a new culture while trying to hold onto the traditions that connect her to her home and her family. The book highlights the importance of cultural exchange, as Lailah navigates the balance between sharing her Ramadan traditions with her new friends and understanding their curiosity about her faith.

Every classroom participated in the read aloud, fostering a sense of community and shared learning. After the reading, students reflected on the themes of the story. Scholars who celebrate Ramadan were excited to share personal stories and traditions with their classmates.

 

Date Added: 3/11/2025

History came alive on February 27 when Gotham Avenue School’s gymnasium transformed into an engaging museum. Dressed as famous leaders, athletes and musicians, the second grade scholars hosted their third annual Living Wax Museum to celebrate Black History Month.

Each classroom had a theme, including arts and entertainment; Civil Rights and government leaders; sports; and science, technology and math. The second graders researched an influential Black figure who coincided with their class theme, learning about the person’s childhood, adult life, impact and notable facts. This activity served as the culmination to both their English unit on biographies and lessons on Black History Month.

For the museum event, the scholars were encouraged to dress as their Black History figure to act as a “wax figure,” presenting to their peers, staff and family members. Visitors were able to learn about Frederick Douglass, Billie Holiday, Martin Luther King Jr. and Serena Williams, among others.

This annual project introduces the young scholars to research, enhances their public speaking skills and allows for creativity.

Click here to view the Third Annual Black History Month Living Wax Museum at Gotham Avenue School slideshow.

Date Added: 3/10/2025

On February 26, Clara H. Carlson School fourth graders in Rina DiRe’s class entered a different world as they transformed their classroom into a Native American museum exhibit, marking the culmination of their history unit on the Algonquian and Iroquois tribes.

In collaborative groups, each team researched a specific tribe, including the Cayuga, Erie, Lenape and Mohawk peoples. Students delved into the tribe’s location, climate and geography, as well as their tools, artwork, and the roles of men and women. Using household materials such as popsicle sticks, cardboard and cotton balls, the students built models of the traditional homes of their assigned tribes, such as longhouses and wigwams. 

During the exhibition, each group presented their tribe’s history and culture, showcasing poster displays and handmade artifacts. As their classmates listened, they took notes on the new facts they learned.

This hands-on project not only sparked creativity, but also fostered meaningful discussions, and strengthened teamwork and public speaking skills. This was the first museum-style project for the fourth grade class, and the response was overwhelmingly positive. According to Mrs. DiRe, the students loved the opportunity to learn through hands-on activities and to collaborate with their peers.

The museum exhibit was followed by a creative workshop on February 27, where the students crafted their own wampum belts, further deepening their understanding of Native American culture.

 

Date Added: 3/7/2025

To celebrate and honor Black History Month, Alden Terrace School beautified its hallways for the annual “If These Walls Could Speak” schoolwide project.

Every grade level was assigned a theme, including artists, inventors, musicians, athletes, educators, lawmakers/public advocates and authors. Each class then selected a significant Black figure from history who aligned with their given theme. Researching their accomplishments, scholars used this newfound knowledge to decorate the hallway outside their classroom with large displays of portraits, facts and quotes. Some of the influential figures chosen were Jean-Michel Basquiat, Zora Neale Hurston, Wilma Rudolph and Stevie Wonder.

On February 27, the school held a gallery walk for the scholars to view their classmates’ work and learn about the impressive figures chosen. Through QR codes, the visiting students could access short videos made by their peers that described their selected person. Families at home were invited to join in, as a QR Code presentation of all grade levels was sent home.

 

Click here to view the Alden Terrace School Hosts Annual ‘If These Walls Could Speak’ Event in Honor of Black History Month slideshow.

 

Date Added: 3/5/2025