This trimester, our history project was the Columbus Trial. We put Christopher Columbus as well as the other groups and people involved on trial. Our history teacher, Dominic Alteri, was the judge. He split us into table groups of five people, with a mix of sixth, seventh, and eighth graders and each student played an important role.
In a recent morning meeting, students in 8th grade took part in a simple activity. The prompt was to explain the work the adults in their family do—in the home, in the community, or at a paid job. Students were a little reluctant to jump in (it was 8.50 am), so I told them about my grandfather who worked as a milkman, a bus driver, and a bartender. As kids began to share, we learned about family members working in hospitals, businesses, and the arts—about journalists, therapists, teachers. We learned about community organizers and lawyers, caretakers, and homemakers. By the end of our twenty-minute conversation, the room felt a little different. Despite the masks, we could all see each other a little more clearly.
Lively tunes and rhythmic clapping and tapping set the tone as students settled in for a morning of stories from award-winning storyteller Diane Ferlatte on Thursday, Sept 15. As students found seats, Ferlatte used gesture, eye contact and expression to connect — inviting everyone to join in her movements and presence. Accompanied by musician Erik Pearson on banjo and guitar, Ferlatte shared stories in the African and African American traditions.
Last year, in our virtual auction, the Synergy community raised over $45,000 for a lofty Fund-a-Need goal — increasing representation in our classroom libraries and…
We recently sat down (virtually, of course), with Jessica Raygoza, Synergy’s learning specialist. We have known and loved Jessica ever since we joined the Synergy…
On Wednesday, April 28, the Kindergarten through 5th grade classes enjoyed a warm and engaging Zoom visit with Victoria Sanchez, author of the picture book, Pilar’s…
Early Monday morning, February 1st, a few students and staff started queueing up on the sunny sidewalk outside the school building. “Have you ever picked…
Judd Winick, local author-illustrator and creator of the wildly popular HiLo graphic novel series, brought laughter and life lessons to Synergy students on February 10, 2021, in…
On Friday, eighth graders were treated to an unbelievably inspiring creative writing session with author, Yalitza Ferreras. Ferreras is the recipient of a 2020 Rona…
After the chorus closed their performance with the most beautiful and inspiring mash-up of Cyndi Lauper’s “True Colors” and Sara Bareilles’ “Brave,” most of the…
Early one recent October morning a group of Synergy middle schoolers and parents made their way through the Tenderloin’s darkened streets to serve breakfast to…
Several Synergy middle school students delved into local politics this week, asking carefully crafted questions of San Francisco mayoral candidate Mark Leno. Sixth graders Ruby…