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Traphagen School third graders receive valuable history lesson at Luangisa African Museum

A large group of children and adults gathered in front of a historic-looking building, with a grassy area and paved walkway in the foreground.
Traphagen School third graders receive valuable history lesson at Luangisa African Museum

On Friday, April 10, third-grade Traphagen School students from Ms. DeSalvo’s and Ms. Sansevera’s classes enjoyed an enriching and memorable visit to the Luangisa African Museum and Cultural Arts Center. During their visit, Ms. Luangisa – along with her community of friends – warmly welcomed the classes and immediately made both students and teachers feel comfortable and engaged. The students explored a variety of authentic artifacts, deepening their understanding of African history and culture. A highlight of the trip was participating in African drumming through song, where students experienced rhythm and tradition in a hands-on and engaging way.

In addition, students created colorful beaded bracelets using the colors of the South African flag, making meaningful connections to their social studies unit on South Africa. The visit also included thoughtful discussions about the country’s history, allowing students to reflect on and extend their classroom learning. Overall, it was a wonderful, educational and inspiring experience that brought vibrant culture to life. The students represented Traphagen with enthusiasm and curiosity, making the day a truly uplifting celebration of learning and cultural appreciation. Through Ms. Luangisa’s unique program, students gained a deeper understanding of Africa by exploring its art, history, and culture in a meaningful and memorable way.

The image depicts a crowded indoor space, with a group of people gathered around and observing various artworks and sculptures displayed on the walls and shelves.
A group of people, some seated and some standing, gathered in what appears to be an indoor setting with artwork and decorative items visible in the background.
A man is performing a traditional dance or ritual in the foreground, surrounded by a group of people seated at tables in an outdoor patio area behind him.
A vibrant and colorful display of various hats, including a large, intricately patterned headdress, an orange hat, and a mesh-like structure, all set against a background of what appears to be a retail or display space.
A group of people, primarily children, gathered outside a building with a distinctive architectural style, engaged in what appears to be an educational or community-based activity.
A decorative tribal mask with intricate patterns and beads, displayed in a museum-like setting with other cultural artifacts in the background.
A group of people, mostly children, are gathered outdoors on a paved area surrounded by trees, engaged in various activities such as playing and socializing.


 

Traphagen School third-graders celebrated at Honor Roll assembly
Traphagen School third-graders celebrated at Honor Roll assembly

Traphagen School proudly celebrated its third-grade Honor Roll recipients during a special assembly on Monday, May 11, recognizing scholars for their hard work, dedication and achievements in the classroom. Ms. DeSalvo and Ms. Sansevera honored each student with thoughtful remarks that highlighted for the unique strengths and accomplishments they have demonstrated as learners.

Snapshot of Mother's Day celebration at Traphagen School.
Traphagen School celebrates Mother's Day in full bloom

Traphagen celebrated mothers and mother figures with a special breakfast. Our moms delighted in sharing this memorable experience with their children, filling the room with smiles, laughter, and pure joy. They also enjoyed time together painting pots and planting flowers —It was a morning to remember, made even more special by the love and warmth shared between our students and the incredible women in their lives.

A large group of children and adults gathered in front of a historic-looking building, with a grassy area and paved walkway in the foreground.
Traphagen School third graders receive valuable history lesson at Luangisa African Museum

On Friday, April 10, third-grade Traphagen School students from Ms. DeSalvo’s and Ms. Sansevera’s classes enjoyed an enriching and memorable visit to the Luangisa African Museum and Cultural Arts Center. During their visit, Ms. Luangisa – along with her community of friends – warmly welcomed the classes and immediately made both students and teachers feel comfortable and engaged. The students explored a variety of authentic artifacts, deepening their understanding of African history and culture. A highlight of the trip was participating in African drumming through song, where students experienced rhythm and tradition in a hands-on and engaging way.

A classroom setting with students and a teacher engaged in a learning activity, surrounded by educational posters and materials on the walls.
Students at Traphagen use math to plan menu for party

Math is everywhere, even when you’re throwing a party! Rebecca Challop’s fifth-grade students at Traphagen School were engaged in a collaborative math lesson last week in which they created a party menu using an itemized list of party supplies. Students applied multiple math operations to develop and manage a budget while working together to make decisions. Throughout the activity, they practiced collaboration by compromising, justifying their choices, and explaining the mathematical reasoning behind their decisions.

 
The image shows a classroom setting with a group of young students sitting on the floor, engaged in what appears to be a learning activity or discussion. The classroom is filled with various educational materials and displays, including a large screen displaying the number "10".
Traphagen kindergarteners use math tools to compare numbers

Ms. Genie Ernst, a kindergarten teacher at Traphagen School, conducted a hands-on math lesson last week in which students demonstrated their understanding of comparing greater numbers. Using math tools such as number paths and ten frames, students worked collaboratively to solve problems, listened attentively to one another, posed thoughtful questions, and explained their reasoning. The lesson highlighted both student engagement and the development of strong foundational math skills.

A group of students are engaged in various activities in a colorful and vibrant classroom setting, with a map and other educational materials visible in the background.
Traphagen sixth graders learn about theme and begin analyzing "The Lightning Thief"

Mr. Shane Davanzo, a sixth-grade teacher at Traphagen School, is teaching his students about theme and how readers determine the theme of a story by examining several key elements of the text. He used Pixar short films as an engaging instructional tool to model how themes emerge through characters, conflict, and resolution. Students then worked in small groups to identify the themes of the Pixar clips, applying the strategies they learned during the lesson. They are now using this understanding to analyze the theme in "The Lightning Thief" and will continue to apply these skills in their independent reading books.