Plaza Elementary School Showcases 2024-2025 Curriculum Connections

Plaza Elementary School recently hosted their annual “Site Based Visit” to showcase all the curricula the K-5 students have engaged in for the 2024-2025 school year to their families. Following field day, parents and guardians were invited to the school’s gymnasium to tour an exhibit of learning. This occasion marked a significant milestone as the school also celebrated its recognition as a No Place for Hate school, since many of the activities helped Plaza achieve this designation awarded by the Anti-Defamation League. This is the first time that the elementary school received this designation for the successful creation of a safe and inclusive learning environment for all students. 

In addition to the No Place for Hate activities, Plaza’s curriculum also centered on “Baldwin 2035”—a vision that will ultimately transform every Baldwin school into “a community center and incubator of learning in which educators design, engineer, and facilitate learning experiences and each learner is a producer, pioneer, explorer, collaborator, and innovator.” The curriculum connections also demonstrated the correlation of students’ work to the six Cs of education: critical thinking, collaboration, character, creativity, communication, and civics.

It was the educational experiences that were based on “No Place for Hate” and “Baldwin 2035” that helped build the curriculum that was showcased to the families that afternoon.

“Our site base event is a celebration of learning from the entire school,” explained Mrs. Jeanette Rottkamp, assistant principal of Plaza Elementary School. “Not only do parents and families have an opportunity to see what their children are learning, but students and teachers get the opportunity to make connections to other grades and content areas. Students are able to see what the learned, how it is connected to other grades, and where their learning is going.”

Journey to Inclusivity

Earlier this year, students in grades 3-5 participated in a school climate survey to identify areas for enhancement in inclusivity and anti-bias efforts. The findings, reviewed by the No Place for Hate Committee and student council, underscored the necessity for allyship. Consequently, student leaders organized lessons on allyship, including a friendship bracelet activity to foster connections among younger students.

Artifact Museum

Attendees discovered the impressive work of students from grades K-4, showcasing projects that contributed to the Legacy Trunk. These artifacts were part of the “Baldwin 2035” initiative, highlighting the creativity and talents of the young learners.

Building Their Legacy

Ahead of the event, families were encouraged to engage in a community assignment using Padlet. By sharing their thoughts and answering essential questions, parents contributed to the Legacy Trunk, which will be shared with other schools as a model of best practices.

Heading to Baldwin 2035

The event concluded with a reflective session where families considered the themes of learning, legacy, inclusion, and the principles of No Place for Hate. By doing so, they prepared their students for an uncertain future, where each Baldwin school will function as a community center for learning and innovation.

The Baldwinites left Plaza Elementary School that day feeling especially proud and impressed.