REACH ACADEMY
10th Annual African American History and Cultural Celebration
Click here to & scroll down to view the slideshow from the event
Theme:
“Celebrating African American Culture in Our Everyday Lives”
On March 2, 2023 the entire REACH Academy learning community came together for an educational assembly in commemoration of our 10th Annual African American History and Cultural Celebration. The purpose of this year’s event was to generalize the breadth of African American ingenuity and influence across society. Throughout the month of February, our school participated in a building-wide project based learning (PBL) initiative that focused on teaching students about African American achievement within a broad range of representations across disciplines. In doing so, our educational community learned how to celebrate the successes of our everyday champions along with the achievements of more well known African American figures throughout the culture.
Our school was thoroughly represented during the event as each instructional team prepared a five minute PBL presentation on an African American achievement or cultural asset that we all benefit from today. All of the presentations were outstanding in their content, delivery and diversity. Each one demonstrated meaningful student engagement and made connections beyond the classroom. Additionally, each presentation incorporated literacy strategies and interdisciplinary collaboration. As a result of the month-long learning initiative, our students have come to better understand and value the vastness of achievement within African American culture and American culture as a whole. It is our hope that through these powerful learning experiences, each member of our REACH Academy learning community has come to better understand that African American history is every American’s history. As Americans, we each share in the rich legacy of African American intelligence, expertness and willful determination.
This year’s program participants:
Host– Mr. Bennett
Lift Every Voice and Sing (Song) – Ms. Andrews/Mr.Bennett
Pledge of Allegiance – Momo G.
Mr. Erlich (History) – Carter G. Woodson
Ethan E. (History) – Michael Jackson, Performance of Black or White
Mr. Babiak (AA Generalist) – Student Model Home Project/Replicating Homes Where Enslaved People Lived
Ms. Mancini/Ms. Rosario (AA Generalist) – “I Have a Dream” – Student Reading Compilation
Mr. Federice/Mr. Green (Physical Education) – Gallery of Legendary African American Athletes
Ms. Alper (Clinician)– Kenneth B. Clark, PHd, Mamie Phipps Clark, PHd “Doll Study”
Ms. Veras/Ms Curran (Care Academy) – Rosa Parks/Wheels On the Bus Presentation
REACH Academy Theater Group (Peter C, Chelsea M.) — Rosa Parks Scene
Ms. Mossa (Art) — Student Art Presentation Based on Works by Bisa Butler/Kara Walker
Aydan W. (History) — Dwayne McDuffie
Paige G. (History)— Claudete Covin
Ms.Gibbons/Ms. Desrats (ELA Resourse) — Frederick Douglass
REACH Academy Theater Group (Samuel Butler) – Malcolm X Monologue
Ms. Alvarez/Ms. Burnett (Transitio Dept./School Monitor)– Phenomenal Woman
Ms. Padovanni/Ms DeDaglia (Care Academy)– Ansani the Spider presentation
Ms. Benerof (Horticulture) — George Washington Carver
Ms. DeVeaux/Ms. Lacasse (Transition Dept.) — Historic African American figures
Ms. Ortiz, Ms. Moore (Clinicians) — Notable African Americans on the Spectrum
Ms. McLennon (Nurse) — Onesimus
Ms. Gilineas/Ms. Washington (ELA)— African American Poets, Writers, Celebrities w/ Autism
Ms. Alexander/Ms. Vasques (Math) – Bomba Dance
Donovan R. (Music) — Lift Me Up (Song)
Ms. Sheridan/Ms.Dea (Life & Vocation) — Jolof Recipe and Food Preparation
African Drum Ensemble (Music) (Tysaun A., Ja’leel M., Darron B., Chance B.)
Closing Remarks—Mr. Pizzutello
Producer:
Mr. Reginald Bennett Jr.
Assistant Producer:
Mr. Duwayne Francis
Special Event Coordinators/Decorations:
Ms. Alvarez, Ms. Burnett
Administrative Leadership:
Mr. Pizzutello (REACH Academy Principal)
Ms. Jonelle Ballard (REACH Academy Asst. Principal)
Mr. John Marino (District Assistant Superintendent)
Dr. Carolyn McGuffog (District Superintendent)
Congratulations to all of the incredibly gifted students, staff members and administrators who generously contributed their time and talents in support of REACH Academy’s 10th Annual African American History and Cultural Celebration. Everyone did such a great job presenting and our audience members were very kind and encouraging. As a school community we worked together, learned together, succeeded together and have so much to be proud of. Indeed, that’s what the day is all about! Ase’
Reginald Bennett Jr.
REACH Academy Music
African American History Celebration Producer