At Participate Learning, we were thrilled to celebrate the remarkable achievements of Alexander Wilson Elementary School. The school was recently recognized as a Global Leaders Showcase School, a prestigious designation that acknowledges schools cultivating students as global leaders. This milestone reflects Alexander Wilson’s unwavering commitment to global education and sustainability, and we were honored to be part of the school’s joyous celebration event on May 15, 2024.
The day began with an exciting banner reveal in the cafeteria, where students from grades three through five gathered. The energy in the room was palpable as the school proudly displayed its new designation, earned during the 2022-2023 school year. This achievement highlights the dedication of Alexander Wilson’s teachers, who have embraced global teaching practices and developed impactful projects during the 2023-2024 academic year. Their efforts incorporated the school’s commitment to global education and sustainability in tangible ways that empowered students to take action on global issues.
Throughout the year, students delved into global issues, gaining a deeper understanding of global challenges and connecting with local organizations working to address these issues. One of the standout projects was led by first graders, who created compost bins and learned about the benefits of recycling food scraps to enrich soil. The enthusiasm didn’t stop there—students even took worms home to support their personal gardens, demonstrating their commitment to sustainability.
The upper grades also had their opportunity to shine, with fourth graders exploring infrastructure and innovation by visiting the state capitol. These immersive experiences were beautifully captured in a video presentation by Ashley Westmoreland, highlighting the students’ action-driven learning journey.
The celebration continued with enthusiastic performances by the dual language students. Students from kindergarten to fifth grade performed songs and dances in Spanish, showcasing the cultures in which they’ve been immersed. The fifth-grade class went a step further, giving a presentation on the school’s issues of global focus, explaining their importance, and sharing how everyone can contribute to addressing them. The event also featured a “take action” video compilation, displaying commercials created by each grade level. These commercials illustrated the projects and efforts made by students to address global issues, fostering a shared understanding and commitment within the school community.
After the performances, we visited Dominique Russell’s first-grade classroom, where students proudly discussed their composting project. They explained the types of food scraps suitable for composting and the benefits of nutrient-rich soil. The first graders were already thinking ahead about improving the project with a more efficient composting bin for the next school year. They also shared how they used their composted soil in art class to create pinch pots and plant flowers for Mother’s Day, eagerly showing off the growth of their plants.
The day concluded with a festive gathering in the cafeteria, where teachers and staff were celebrated with new swag, including tumblers, T-shirts, and stickers. The pride and excitement evident among the staff were heartwarming as they enjoyed the recognition of their hard work and dedication to achieving the Global Leaders Showcase designation.
Alexander Wilson Elementary’s journey with Participate Learning began in 2010 with the Dual Language Program and expanded in 2015 to include the Global Leaders framework. This partnership has been crucial in cultivating a learning environment where global awareness and sustainability are integral to the educational experience. The success of this event is a testament to the school’s dedication to nurturing mindful global citizens who are committed to making a positive impact on the world.
We’re incredibly proud of Alexander Wilson Elementary and excited to see the continued growth and impact of the school’s global learning initiatives. Keep up the amazing work!
For more updates on our global learning programs and the incredible work being done at our partner schools, stay tuned to our blog and follow us on social media. #UnitingOurWorld #GlobalLeaders
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