Reasons to be Proud

Recently in Violet, math partners took on the challenge of designing a 60k bike course, applying their understanding of fractions in a real-world context. This week, they brought those designs to life through creative and playful presentations. Some standout features included 3D models crafted from recycled materials, gamified course designs, and extreme obstacle challenges featuring meteors, sharks, and even war zones.

Projects like these give students a chance to merge math with imagination, showcasing their skills in unexpected and exciting ways.

Blue students have been exploring life in Chavez Ravine, delving into the rich cultural traditions, foods, celebrations, and everyday experiences of Mexican Angelenos. Their studies came to life during an exciting, hands-on project: collaboratively building a block model of the entire Chavez Ravine. Divided into three groups, our young historians took on the challenge of recreating each of the Ravine’s neighborhoods. Using their map skills, they determined where key community landmarks—like a school and church—should be placed. These kinds of immersive, tactile experiences are essential to learning, helping students develop a range of skills while deepening their understanding of the past.

In our Building Benches and Measuring Tools unit, third graders are diving into fractions, exploring how to compare them with equal or different denominators. They're also learning to divide various "wholes" into halves, thirds, quarters, and beyond. As part of their hands-on learning, students designed their own precise rulers, explaining how to mark and label measurements without relying on a standard ruler.

Youngers students are exploring the unit, Writers Are Helpers, where they learn that writing can be a powerful tool for making a difference. They are discovering that when they notice a problem in the world, they can take action by expressing their opinions, proposing solutions, and rallying support. Teachers guide them in using persuasive language with words like should, could, and because to strengthen their arguments. One key lesson introduces the concept of petitions, emphasizing how gathering signatures is a way to unite voices and create change.

Students in the Red Class explored the story Pearl and Her Gee’s Bend Quilt by Tangular Irby, learning about the talented women of Gee’s Bend, Alabama, and their rich tradition of quilt-making. Inspired by the intricate designs and stunning patterns, they created their own class quilt using the geometric shapes they studied in math. Each piece is vibrant on its own, but when brought together, they form a magnificent, unified masterpiece!

This issue’s theme of “Community and Environment” has never been more relevant, as we have seen the strength of our community in the face of environmental challenges. The theme is also central to the way we empower students at PS1. We believe in cultivating critical thinkers who engage with real-world issues, making connections between human societies and the natural world. CLICK HERE to read the full issue.