Halls and Walls

Parker 1-2s have launched full throttle into an investigation of the Hudson River. Together, the class is studying the history of the river, beginning with its role in Native American life and culture and continuing through European exploration. The class is also examining the ecological and environmental importance of the river. 1-2s will ultimately study the current and continued importance of the Hudson by participating in A Day in the Life of the Hudson, a morning focused on science and conservation led by our Parker 8th grade.

Kindergarten students have begun their work on identity, self-identity, and the perspective of others. This is one of the main underlying themes that punctuates their academic project work during this first semester. Currently on display, these student portraits are accompanied by descriptive words each child chose to represent themselves. Taking this one step further, Leigh also reached out to parents and asked them to send in a word describing their child. These words are featured alongside the self-descriptions, allowing students to begin thinking about how they see themselves and how others see them. Ultimately, it is a goal for our Kindergarteners to recognize, be proud of, and appreciate the unique physical and emotional traits that combine to create both themselves and each member of their classroom community.

Parker art students began the year by discussing their artist hopes and dreams, followed by a celebration of “Dot Day”, established to celebrate creativity, courage, and collaboration. Lower school practiced their watercolor skills, making adorable paintings that now decorate these trees hanging outside our library. Middle school students worked collaboratively, each creating a quarter-circle for a new mural to adorn their hallway. All art students wrote their art dream, wish, or goal on a colorful piece of paper that was looped together into an all-school paper chain.

As part of our observance of LatinX history month, 6th and 7th grade ELA students were asked to research and present on a LatinX role model they admired. This pair chose to study Ellen Ochoa, a NASA astronaut and scientist that they admire for her engineering expertise, a field both hope to go into. This is a perfect example of interest-based learning creating individual access to and investment in a whole-class assignment.