(Mission Times Courier, San Diego, CA) Last Friday, February 8th was a day that we will long remember at Benchley-Weinberger. It was our Multi-Culture Fair (and the best yet) and all the children got to explore and learn about many different countries. The regions explored were: North American Region, Central and South American Region, Middle East Region, African Region, European Region, Asian Region and Australia, New Zealand, New Guinea and the Pacific Islands Region. Each country was represented by a beautiful flag and each country had different crafts and/or food available for sampling.
Our thanks to the PTA, namely Penny Van Baale the president, Elaine Rosen, Monica Morgan, Chris Morache, and all the other PTA volunteers who should be very proud of all their hard work to make this such an amazing day. One teacher told our PTA president that the kids were so excited that they wanted to visit the countries again at recess. Mrs. Van Baale felt that this type of community involvement was “making an impact,” and indeed it did.
This was truly an amazing day for all Benchley-Weinberger’s children (K-5th). They each received a passport to be stamped at each of the countries. They enjoyed such things as face painting and bracelets from Australia, stories from Hawaii about the flowers and leaves that were being woven on the spot. The children also sampled candy from China and bread from the Philippines. They learned how to say their names in French, danced with African drums and ate yummy food from Mexico. The children also toured Peru and all of the Middle East with equally enticing stories, crafts and/or food. The culmination of the Multi-Culture Fair was an assembly with Brazilian musicians. The Multi-Culture Fair was just an example of how Benchley-Weinberger, through teachers, students, and parents demonstrate a strong passion for learning and celebrating diversity.
Benchley-Weinberger’s KRBW (Kids Report at Benchley-Weinberger) TV station is now in full force. We have twenty-one 4th and 5th grade students actively immersed in learning how to become reporters, camera people, artists and editors. The students will become proficient in producing an entire news broadcast through the tutelage of Mr. Aaron Townsend from Satellite. Benchley-Weinberger is always involved in many different and wonderful learning opportunities for its student. Our next Magnet Visitation Day will be Thursday, April 10th, come visit us and check out our wonderful school.
