Letter from the MC Principal
Hello MC families,
Several weeks ago I wrote about the upcoming Cultural Experience Project field trips that were on the horizon. The last two weeks the 6th grade (Monday the 24th) went to see the ZUZU Acrobats at the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Center, and the 8th grade went to the Center for Civil and Human Rights yesterday. The 6th graders were exposed to Tanzanian culture in addition to seeing acrobatic feats. The 8th graders connected the work they are doing in Individuals and Societies class to the exhibits at the Center for Civil and Human Rights, including with the Woolworth’s Lunch Counter Sit-in simulation. In addition to the learning experiences our students continue to get compliments from museum docents about their behavior so that is always good news.
Back at school, one of the recent projects that our Heritage Speakers Spanish class has been working on is the creation of an altar for the Dia de los Muertos Celebration at Oakland Cemetery this coming Sunday from 12-5 pm (admission is free). Mr. Rios and his class would love for you to come and see their work to get a true feel for their culture and what they are doing in class. It is a drop-in event so you don’t need to come for the entire time. The students will be at the celebration answering questions about their altar so please come check it out!
From the website: “For the first time ever, the traditional Day of the Dead Festival, organized by the Consulate General of Mexico in Atlanta and the Institute of Mexican Culture, will take place at historic Oakland Cemetery! Visitors of all ages will learn about and experience a Day of the Dead festival. Guests will enjoy traditional dancing, crafts, authentic Mexican food, and entertainment. They can also view a display of altars decorated with flowers, food, and beverages honoring lost family and friends.
PARKING: Our two parking lots will be closed to the public during the event. We encourage guests to take Uber, Lyft, MARTA, or carpool. King Memorial MARTA station is just a short walk from Oakland. Inman Park, Candler Park, and East Lake stations all have plenty of free parking.”
Please come out to support and experience this event and to support the work of our Heritage Speakers class!
Finally, as we get deeper into cold and flu season we are seeing an uptick of sick students at school. We have seen COVID cases, flu cases, and your standard stomach bugs as well. Hand washing and mask wearing help to keep students healthy so please encourage your students to maintain healthy habits.
As always if you have any questions, please feel free to reach out.
Regards,
Mark
Mark Sanders
Mark Sanders began teaching at ANCS in 2011. Before coming to the school, Mr. Sanders worked in New York City. He spent three years teaching 7th and 8th grade mathematics at Middle School 50 in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, and two years at Harlem Village Academies teaching Geometry and Algebra 2/Trigonometry. He taught 8th grade Math/Science/Technology at ANCS for five years.
