TCS Student News February 28, 2020
February 28, 2020
This week’s edition of TCS Student News was researched, written, produced and anchored by Salma Ruiz-Cruz and Tyleiah Trusty.
This week’s edition of TCS Student News was researched, written, produced and anchored by Salma Ruiz-Cruz and Tyleiah Trusty.
What an amazing day at The Community School! Famed Baltimore based writer and friend of the school, Rafael Alvarez, brought in a delicious homemade lunch for the students. Rafael brought two friends with him. Photojournalist Jim Burger was back and he photographed the impromptu event while Rafael’s other friend, actor Neimah Djourabahi surprised everyone. Last week, the students saw Neimah in the play “Richard & Jane & Dick & Sally” at Baltimore Center Stage. This lead to an extended lunch discussion about acting, the process of developing the production, and the many meaningful themes the play explored. The lunch capped with a celebration (and amazing cake) of Joshua’s 16th birthday!
You might have thought that was exciting enough, but soon after lunch, the students had a planned Skype session with one of the NASA scientists who is responsible for the Parker Space Probe that is breaking new ground in exploration of the sun. Dr. Eric Christian works in the heliophysics section at NASA/Goddard and has been a part of missions going back to Voyager. He shared information about his own journey as a scientist and answered many questions as the class explored the Parker mission. This seminar was part of our weekly Space Lab taught by former NASA/Goddard educator Elaine Lewis.
All of this is in a week that included a special Conversation with William Vanzella, Baltimore Blast team captain and goalie, wrapping up the novel “Bless Me Ultima” by Rudolf Anaya, putting together their writing portfolios from Mr. Don’s seminar for the 2nd trimester, and closing with a meditation seminar by actor and teacher Jennie Bissell.
We are used to a lot of great experiences at the school though today was especially packed with learning opportunities. Special thanks to Rafael, Jim, Neimah, Eric and Elaine and a Happy birthday to Joshua!
The school was honored to have Baltimore Blast Soccer captain and goalie William Vanzela visit for a conversation with the students today. Mr. Vanzela shared stories of his life growing up in Brazil and the sacrifices made in order to develop his talent and career to support his family. One of the most valuable lessons he taught was about the importance of living a meaningful life, caring for your family and using your gifts to benefit others.
Mr. Vanzela started playing professional soccer at the age of 16 in Brazil and went on to move to Italy where he spent 7 years on the Italian national team. He then came to Baltimore where he has been playing with the Baltimore Blast winning several national championships and MVP awards.
Jayla wrote, ” He inspires me to want to continue to work, even when life is pushing me down, I would always want a job just to get money but now that I talked to him, I want a job to better help myself. I want a job that can help me succeed and become the person I truly want to be.”
We deeply appreciate Mr. Vanzela’s generous sharing of his time and stories with us. we are also thankful to Mr. Don and Ms.Sande for connecting him with the school and attending the conversation. Among the many good works that Mr. Vanzela is involved is the “Show Your Soft Side” campaign started by Ms. Sande.
Tyleiah expressed the impact this conversation had on her life in this way, ” He had to take care of his family and sacrificed a lot to get to where he is today and is still sacrificing a lot. The advice to not give up and look at the worst possible things in a positive light will help me get through life. I really appreciated him sharing his wisdom with us and giving me the opportunity to reflect on my life as well.”
Longtime TCS friend and neighbor, storied photojournalist Jim Burger came in for the second time this year. This time Jim focused on honing the students photography skills discussing such topics as lighting, lenses, backgrounds and angles. At one point students engaged in some hands on work with each taking photographs and then sharing and critiquing the work.
The seminar had an immediate goal of continuing to develop the photographic content of TCS Student News. With Jim’s advice, students were able to devise new strategies for capturing the many people and events that take place around the school with an eye to more careful composition in the photography. Thanks for sharing your talent and skills Jim!
This week’s edition of TCS Student News was researched, written, produced and anchored by students Claude Nicholson and Jacob Cougle.
“I thought that the play was just perfect. The acting was really great, the soundtrack sounded amazing and it fit the play really well, the set was nice to look at, and the message was really meaningful, deep, and real.” This was the reaction of senior Olivia Yates to the play that the students attended at Baltimore Center Stage today.
The play touched on many themes common to all families of communication, hurt, misunderstanding and grief. The story was up close and personal as were the students watching from the front row of the Head Theatre at Center Stage. After the performance there was a Q & A with all of the actors that continued into a very personal conversation with one of the actors, Michelle Beck, who was especially generous with her time.
We are deeply grateful to Center Stage Executive Director Michael Ross, Director of Learning and Social Accountability (LSA) Adena Varner, and LSA Coordinator Dani Turner for providing us the opportunity to have this experience.