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The Discovery Center in a partnership with the Hill Stead Museum developed and conducted a Language Arts Diversity Initiative for 5th and 6th grade students from Mary Hooker Environmental Studies Magnet School and East Windsor Middle School on the 12th and 13th of January. This was followed by a reception and presentation for the parents from both schools on the 14th of January. Utilizing the Hill Stead Museum's rich history of art, architecture and cultural treasures students attended Tanka poetry writing classes and wrote poetry, designed quilts that reflected their cultural background and had a tour of the Museum. The arrangements were made by Carolina Mimo with the classes taught by Discovery Center staff members Sharon Roberts and Todd Robertson with Marcie Charest, Manager of School and Family Programs at Hill Stead Museum. Hill Stead Museum also provided tour guides and provided support in setting up the classrooms and the Parent Reception and Presentation. Renny Lora, Coordinator of Parent and School Relations, provided invaluable assistance in making arrangements for the parent's reception. A grand total of 171 students attended both sessions and had a joyous time reconnecting with their friends from the partner school. Students also had an opportunity to improve their writing skills and learn about the history of the Hill Stead Museum.
The parent reception and presentation was truly special with nearly 130 parents attending. Parents from both schools had an opportunity to socialize over refreshments and review student poems, stories and quilts. The principals from both schools, Mr. James Slattery – East Windsor Middle School and Paul Montanez Pitre – Mary Hooker Environmental Studies Magnet School made comments about the benefits the students received by participating in The Discovery Center program academically and socially. The program ended a student reciting a poem she had written during the poetry writing class.
Funds for the Language Arts Diversity Initiative were provided by The Hartford Foundation for Public Giving and The Newman's Own Foundation challenge grant as part of the ongoing effort to build relationships between students and parents from different racial, cultural and socio – economic backgrounds and to improve student language arts skills and interest.
Similar diversity and academic programs will be organized and implemented for other schools in The Discovery Center program throughout the year.
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