Lower School Science: Students learned all about the first Latina woman in space, Ellen Ochoa. After learning about her life and many accomplishments, students worked in groups to generate pictures of Ellen in space using Magic School AI. They had to include details that they learned about her in their pictures!

Third grade: Students researched a country that celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month. They had to research a landmark, famous person, holiday, traditional food, style of music, and popular art forms. They then had their first experience using Canva to create a poster for their country including the facts they found.  Art: (Grade 5) we celebrate the Ojo de Dios as a beautiful example of Mexican Indigenous art and cultural tradition combining creativity, color, and meaning. The Ojo de Dios (Gods Eye) is a traditional Mexican craft made by weaving colorful yarn around two crossed sticks. The design represents the eye of God watching over and protecting those who make it and receive it. Fifth Grade Literature –Following the directions in the back of the novel, Esperanza Rising, students made their own yarn dolls just like the characters in the book.

Kindergarten –  learned about the contributions of Hispanic-Latino people to the fabric of American culture and culminated our lesson with a fun game of Loteria.  

Kindergarten – We had a parent come in to discuss their family’s Rosh Hashanah traditions with us. She provided the class with apples and honey to celebrate a sweet new year.

Kindergarten – Kindergarten was lucky to have two families share their Diwali traditions with us. We were treated to books, a craft, and delicious snack.

   

Kindergarten – we celebrated the first Thanksgiving between the Pilgrims and the Native Americans. We learned about the important contributions of Squanto, Samoset, and their tribes. 4th Grade – 1) We read “We Are Still Here” and students completed a reflection (attached). 2) We went on a Lenape Longhouse field trip and built longhouses. Students created a Lenape bulletin board after we returned.

4th Grade Science – students learned about the daily life, culture, interesting facts of six major Native American tribes located in the United States. Students then created a prototype for the Native Americans (past or present) to make their lives easier. This STEM project had to relate to a profession, transportation method, culture, or contribution of the Native American tribe. Check us out!

Pre-Kindergarten – Throughout the month of December, our Pre-K students learned about different countries and cultures. We started our month asking parents to fill out a form explaining their family’s heritage & ancestry. The students read the story “The Gingerbread Boy” and baked their very own gingerbread cookies! In the story, the gingerbread boy runs away. One of our gingerbread cookies also ran away and traveled to many different countries sending the children postcards along the way. Each student received a postcard for one of the countries which represented their heritage. It was a wonderful way to showcase a student each day and learn how many cultures celebrate the holidays. Pre-K wrapped up our unit with a festive “Holidays Around the World” performance that the parents were able to come watch and share food from their many different cultures.

Kindergarten – Kindergarten learned about Hanukkah through books and crafts, and then were treated to a visit from a special family member to share their family traditions. The children helped prepare latkes and then enjoyed them with applesauce, sour cream, and powdered sugar. What a beautiful holiday to celebrate!

Pre-Kindergarten – Two of our PreK students celebrate Chinese New Year. Mrs. Yee and Mrs. Wang came in to share their traditions, read a book about the Lunar New Year, and help make Chinese New Year Lanterns. The children loved learning about the year of the horse and all of the ways children can prepare for the new year. Kindergarten – The Kindergarten students were treated to dumplings and Tangyuan, a rice ball with black sesame seeds. They also made paper lanterns to celebrate the Lantern Festival.   

Pre Kindergarten – PreK celebrates Black History Month focusing on an African American artist, Alma Thomas. They used all of the beautiful colors she used in her work to create their own designs. We also read a book called City Shapes by an African American author, Diana Murray. The children then designed their own cities in math class incorporating our math unit on shapes. Kindergarten – Kindergarten learned about the contributions of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and his legacy of peace. Kindergarten – Kindergarten celebrated Black History Month reading the story of Jennifer Jones, the first African American Rockette, who also happens to be a Freehold, NJ native! First Grade (science) – 1st graders learned about African American scientists who made huge impacts in the United States. Then students picked their favorite scientists to learn more about. Students created 3D pictures of their scientists with an American Flag and one new fact they learned from their research. The 3D pictures are hung on display for the entire Science Center to see!

Art Class(4th grade) – Our Alma Thomas inspired construction paper collage project celebrates Alma Thomas during Black History Month, observed in February. Using cut construction paper instead of paint, students create abstract compositions filled with repeated shapes, patterns, and bold color choices inspired by her work. The lesson reinforces key Principles of Design such as repetition, pattern, rhythm, contrast, and unity while encouraging creativity and thoughtful composition. Art Class (5th grade) – Our Romare Bearden inspired cityscape watercolor and collage project celebrates Romare Bearden during African American Black History Month, observed in February. Students learn about Bearden as an influential African American artist known for his layered collages that captured scenes of city life, especially in Harlem. Students begin by creating a watercolor background to represent the sky and mood of a city. They then cut and layer painted or patterned paper to build buildings, windows, and architectural details, combining collage and painting techniques just like Bearden. The project emphasizes Principles of Design such as balance, contrast, proportion, repetition, and unity while strengthening composition and storytelling skills.

Pre-Kindergarten – PreK learned all about the holiday of Ramadan this month. We made mobiles showing the moon, the Quran, and other symbols that are commonly used during this time. We also read a book which explained about the month of giving, the Quran, and the mosque where Muslim families go to pray. We will also be learning about Eid al-Fitr at the conclusion of Ramadan.  

Third Grade – we had the pleasure of having a parent come in and do a presentation on how and what Persian New Year is and what it means.

Pre-Kindergarten – Prek learned about Woman’s History month focusing on two very important woman in American history- Amelia Earhart & Sally Ride. The class learned and celebrated Earhart by watching a video and making their own paper airplanes which they were able to enjoy flying outside. They also learned about Sally Ride, an astronaut and astrophysicist who was the first American female to fly in space. PreK wrapped up the month by making their own paper rocket ships in honor of Ride.

Art – Alma Woodsey Thomas was an African-American artist and teacher known for her vibrant, abstract paintings. She didn’t start painting full-time until she was was 68 or 69 years old, when she retired from teaching. Thomas achieved success as an African-American female artist despite the segregation and prejudice of her time, which makes her story even more inspiring!

Art (5th grade) – In this lesson inspired by Georgia O’Keeffe, students explored the beauty of nature by drawing close-up views of flowers using oil pastels to emphasize vibrant colors and delicate details. They learned about O’Keeffe’s unique perspective and practiced blending techniques to create bold, expressive floral artwork. 6th -In this Alma Thomas-inspired project, students created vibrant, abstract paintings using repeated patterns and bright colors to mimic her signature mosaic-like style. They learned about Thomas’s contributions as a Black female artist and explored how color and rhythm can express emotion in art. 4th – In this Frida Kahlo-inspired project, students created self-portraits. They learned about Kahlo’s life and how she used art as a form of self-expression and storytelling.