Parent Teacher Magazine Charlotte-Mecklenburg School March/April 2019 | Page 10

More than a field trip
Students connect with their own culture in visit to capital
Two trips to our nation’s
capital were life-changing
for Vance senior Olivia Rice.
She made the first trip in
February of 2018 and the
second in February of this
year. TIAA sponsored both of
these trips, and along with
the company’s executives,
Vance faculty and students
traveled to the nation’s capital
to visit the National Museum
of African-American History
and Culture. This year, tours
to Howard University, the U.S.
Capitol, monuments and other
museums were added.
“After last year’s trip, I
enrolled in World Humanities
and took more of an interest
in my community,” said Olivia.
“I’ve become more proud of my
heritage. I want to understand
the ways cultures interact and
influence each other.”
Isaiah Cromwell, who
teaches World Humanities and
African-American Studies, said he saw the growth in Olivia’s confidence and
passion in her schoolwork.
“We want our students to take these experiences and apply them,” said
Cromwell. “Olivia turned in a project recently about cultural appropriation
versus cultural assimilation that was well-thought-out and powerful.”
Students were selected for the trip based on an essay they wrote on
questions examining broad themes about African-American history and
modern experiences.
Sophomore Chris Howard wrote his essay about how LeBron James has
used his status as an athlete to elevate the black community and those in
need.
“He [LeBron] built a school for at-risk kids in Akron and everything is
free. At the school, he offers a food pantry, a GED program and assistance for
students’ parents to find jobs,” Chris wrote. “He has made his mark in history
as a man of action.”
Chris is an aspiring lawyer who wants to follow his aunt’s example by
attending Howard University.
“When I knew Howard was on the tour, I jumped at the chance to submit
an essay,” he said. “I also hope to hear the perspective from the students of
other races going on the trip. I want to know what they think. I know I can
see things in one-way tunnel sometimes. This will help me see issues from a
wider lens.”
Read Across America
CMS schools celebrated
Read Across America in the
sweetest of ways. Students
from Quail Hollow Middle
School and Harper Middle
College read to Sterling
Elementary School children.
Kennedi Hicks and her fellow
Greyhounds have also donated
over 250 books to the school in
a recent drive. You guys rock!
8 • March/April 2019 • Parent Teacher Magazine
School partner EVERFI,
Inc., an education technology
innovator, was also part of
this opportunity. Students
on the trip participated in
the company’s career speed-
networking event, where they
learned more about career
paths and tips for success.
Cromwell’s students benefit
from one of their programs
throughout the school year. He
uses EVERFI’s 306: African-
American History vignettes
and interactive maps to
differentiate the content and
bring it to life. It’s also a tool
for analyzing historical events
and figures. TIAA has also
sponsored this curriculum for
CMS.
“Being a history teacher
and lover of African-American history, this is a once-in-a-lifetime experience,”
said Cromwell. “I haven’t been to the African-American History museum
before. I want to bring the experience back into my classroom.”
Regional Spelling Bee Winner
Another amazing CMS speller will be
heading to the Scripps National Spelling Bee
this year! After 25 exciting rounds, Matthew
Cosentine from J. M. Alexander IB Middle
School took home The Charlotte Observer
regional title and is off to nationals. Way to
go, Matthew!!! Channel your inner-Akshra
Paimagam!