The Agassiz Elementary School in Jamaica Plain has a long history. I do aqua aerobics with Maureen, who attended the original Agassiz in the 1950s, although when it opened in 1894 it served boys only. The current building, erected in the 1970s, is destined to close at the end of this school year, sadly, sadly… for reasons beyond our control: budgets, building woes, test scores, political expediency. I feel privileged and honored to be able to share some of the voices of its students and teachers in this column.
On a frigid Friday morning in between snow days and a 3-day weekend, I visited the Agassiz to take photos. I wandered freely in the halls, stopping in classes and looking for learners “ kids engaged in literacy activities for the most part. Teachers faced half-empty classes because of the weather and late buses. Students in uniforms gathered on colorful round rugs to listen to a story or talk about the day”s plans; in upper grades many were reading independently or writing responses to reading questions in their notebooks.
Everyone was so welcoming! I was thrilled to hear from one teacher that she enjoyed this column every month and was using something she learned teachers in another school were doing. Her “Worry Wall” was covered with all kinds of concerns and I think it must”ve been a comfort to her students to be able to share them. Ms. Driscoll was teaching character education through puppetry and her kindergarten students were acting out emotions. I love visiting classrooms where all the kids are so completely engaged!
Louis Agassiz, a noted 19th century scientist, and his daughter (Pauline Agassiz Shaw) both had Boston public schools named for them. I can only hope that the staff and students of the Agassiz bring the curiosity that drove him as well as the collaborative spirit of their school with them to their new assignments. My heart goes out to all of those who are being forced to make this transition.
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” series 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!