Magnet School Pilot Program –

A Summer Of International Study

By Tanjua Damon

The heat did not keep entering first and second graders from the Danbury area from getting their “passports” and traveling around the world for nine days this summer during an Education Connection magnet pilot program.

Almost 60 students from Danbury, Newtown, Brookfield, New Fairfield, and Redding took part in the summer pilot, “Passport to the World,” another program in preparation for the Western Connecticut International Studies Magnet School that is in the process of becoming a reality.

The summer academy was held at Roberts Avenue School in Danbury July 31 to August 10. The students attended the program from 9 am to noon, Tuesday through Friday, participating in activities like singing, arts and crafts, reading, and learning about various countries around the world.

Each day it was a different locale. Brazil, Japan, Mexico, the Caribbean, Italy, Africa, India. and Australia were taught. The students had their own passports in which they could write about each day’s lessons. Throughout the day the students would read stories about a country, do a craft, and play a game, as well as sample a snack for the particular country they were learning about.

Program director Joyce Mowrey explained that both students and parents are enjoying the program, which is a sample of what students might expect once the planned magnet school opens in 2003.

“I think it’s doing pretty well,” Ms Mowrey said. “We have a lot of parent support. Many who want to take an active role in getting it off the ground.”

A magnet school has been in the works for seven years for the greater Danbury area. Education Connection is spearheading the project. Plans have been delayed by a land transaction from Western Connecticut State University to the City of Danbury, but the plan is to have the K-5 school open in 2003. The school will bring children together from several school districts in Western Connecticut.

Four teachers, Helena Andrade from Stadley Rough Elementary in Danbury, Cristina Vas of Pembroke Elementary in Danbury, and two Newtown teachers, Karen Blasko from Head O’ Meadow School and Jessica Shivy from Sandy Hook School, helped develop the summer program.

Ms Blasko participated in the spring program as well. She is glad to be part of the initial process of the magnet school and enjoys working with other people from different districts.

“This pilot is focusing more on different cultures. Last time the focus was how we are all the same,” Ms Blasko said. “The kids have mixed amazingly well. Everyone has made friends. They don’t see the differences in each other at all.”

“The idea of having a magnet school where the surrounding towns are able to participate is exciting,” she said. “It’s going to be a really good experience to be at the initial stages of the planning process.”

Ms Shivy is pleased to see a diverse mix of students get to know each other and learn about each other in a positive, constructive way. She also enjoys seeing other districts come together and learn about each other.

“It brings together different districts, different diverse populations of students, and different cultures. It’s really nice,” Ms Shivy said. “I hope they learn a little bit about different countries and cultures. I hope they build friendships and that they realize learning is fun.”

Newtown student Madeline Keane has enjoyed learning about different countries and meeting new people. She was even excited about spending some time with her teacher, Ms Blasko, before the school year gets underway.

“I like the art stuff a lot,” Madeline said. “I like Brazil and they way they do the drums and stuff. I like when you get to meet your teacher before you go to school.”

Alex Strzelecki was enjoying learning about Italy, especially during the craft lesson. The students were taught about different styles of pasta and made pasta bowls to go along with the book Strega Nona.

“I liked making the pasta bowl,” Alex said. “I liked Brazil because they have cool dances.”

Kristen Campbell enjoyed going outside to play even though it was hot. But she also seemed to be having a good time playing hopscotch as her passport took her through Italy.

“We’ve been learning about countries,” she said. “I like the Caribbean because of the people.”

Former Education Connection director Jane Tedder wrote the initial grant for the magnet school. The school will have a special theme of international studies as well as a strong academic background that will meet Connecticut requirements. The proposed school will also provide a bilingual atmosphere in which the students in K-5 will be exposed to Spanish. Once the magnet school opens, it would be the smallest elementary school in the region, housing 350 students.