The Harvard/Kent Elementary School is located in Charlestown, right near the Bunker Hill Monument. It has an unusually diverse population of students, with slightly more than half in so-called “regular education” classes and many immigrant families from Asia and Latin America.
I arrived around noon and found the principal in the most inviting cafeteria I”ve seen in a long time, with walls full of student artwork and inspirational quotes. The five PRIDE qualities that guide the school community were prominently displayed and interpreted by student artwork.
I learned that the third graders were off on a field trip toBelle Isle marsh “ a fascinating place (accessible by T) I”d visited with my middle school students many years ago. This was the first of several surprising connections at this school across the city from my JP neighborhood! I met Mary Gaffney on the stairs; a friend, neighbor, and teacher of children with special needs who recently came to the Harvard/Kent from the Marshall.
“I know you!” science teacher Theresa Strong, also from JP, exclaimed when I introduced myself. I loved visiting her active classes: fifth graders creating models of their playground after measuring the space and, later in the day, fourth graders trying to light a bulb with a battery and wire.
I usually visit schools in the morning, when language arts and math tend to dominate instruction. On this Friday afternoon students throughout the building were also engaged in a variety of science and social studies activities. Writing and drawing activities enriched all subjects. One class was doing map work and practicing a chant to remember the names of our continent, country, state, and city. Much hilarity attended an end of the day “Simon Says” in a kindergarten class, where learning to follow directions is central to the curriculum.
Hopefully this month”s “We”re Learning Here” photos and captions will inspire you to listen to and share the voices of your own students beyond the classroom. I encourage all of you to make YOUR voices heard, as well!
Amika Kemmler Ernst is a recently retired BPS New Teacher Developer with extensive experience as a classroom teacher, curriculum developer, and graphic artist. Her “We”re Learning Here” Project features images of everyday learning in our public schools, along with the words of the students pictured. Please invite her to visit your school this year!