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Heights schools: Rosa Parks
Elementary, Monroe Clark Middle, and Hoover High. The group was led by
a different PCI staff member each day of their visit.
On Monday, after an introduction of the week's activities by Kay Pittman,
Program Coordinator of the Upward Bound Classic Program, and an overview
of PCI and the SDSU/City Heights Educational Collaboration by Tomasa Mauricio,
Program Coordinator of the Science Enrichment Program and Talent Search
Advising Program, and Dr. Cynthia D. Park, Executive Director of the Pre-College
Institute, the British group were given a tour of San Diego State University.
They were then treated to a lunch and tour of Old Town and other San Diego
sites.
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Tuesday began the school tours with Rosa Parks Elementary first
on the list. The morning began with a welcome and overview of Rosa
Park Elementary by the school principal, Emilee Watts. The British
group was then given a tour of the school which included a visit
to a recess and several classrooms in progress, the parent room,
the counseling room, and several other departments.
I was “struck by the vision and leadership” at the school, said
Sandra Ibrism of the British Council group.
The British group experienced something truly astounding on Wednesday
when they visited Balboa Park for “School in the Park,” led by Rosie
Villafaña, Program Coordinator of the Upward Bound Math/Science
Program. At “School in the Park” students from Rosa Parks Elementary
School are transported to Balboa Park by bus and have classes at
one of several of the park's museums (http://www.schoolinthepark.net).
“Teachers love theirs jobs and are passionate,” said
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Pania Moloney
adding that it is “refreshing to come into that environment. Really
inspiring.”
At Balboa Park, the British Council group was able to see one of
San Diego City Schools most impressive practices as museum teachers
did not just talk about history, art or science, but showed their
students actual specimens, artifacts, and exhibits of the museums.
It is a truly hands-on approach to learning. It is an
approach that really works, according to Susan Wachowiak, Director
of School in the Park, adding that “the students know this is
not a fieldtrip. It is their classroom. They are here to learn.”
The rest of the week was filled
with more school visits including Hoover High School and Monroe
Clark Middle School . All these schools are part of the City
Heights Educational Pilot, a collaborative effort between San
Diego State University , San Diego Unified School District ,
and Price Charities. The British Council group learned many
things they would like to take back and use in England . The
leadership, community spirit in the schools, the support of
the parents, the respect for teachers, and the multiple resources
at the schools disposal left a lasting impression.
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