Hello all,
“Community Helper Week” has come and gone and boy, was it great! Read on below to learn all about the fun that was had and learning that took place!
The students kicked off Community Week by defining the word, “Community”. Through a discussion, it was determined that a community is a group of people who live in one place called a neighborhood. The teachers explained that the students would spend the week discussing, learning about and even meeting some of the people that are considered community helpers!
Both Monday and Tuesday began with trips to the Sprinkler/Water Park! The students splished and splashed in the water and then headed back to school to create some amazing artwork! On Monday, the students were eager to get right to work when they heard they would be creating a special craft inspired by very important community helpers. Can you guess which community helper was the inspiration for Monday’s craft from the following clues?
1. This community member patrols the neighborhood in a squad car to help keep everyone safe!
2. This community member wears a special uniform that is often blue.
3. This community member’s telephone number is 9-1-1!
Do you know who this community member is?
If you said, “a Police Officer” then you are correct!
For their morning work, the students created their very own police vehicle! Look below to see the students in action!
On Tuesday, the students worked at the art easel to create a masterpiece!
During the afternoon, the students participated in a very exciting music class and then created a list of all the different community members and helpers they could think of. Here is the list that they came up with!
On Wednesday, the students were visited by two representatives from Jersey City Medical Center – E.M.T. Kate and E.M.T. Steffan! As their names suggest, E.M.T. Kate and E.M.T. Steffan are EMTs or Emergency Medical Technicians! The students loved hearing about the important job E.M.T. Kate and E.M.T. Steffan do in our community to help keep us all safe and healthy. The students could hardly believe it when they learned that E.M.T. Kate and E.M.T. Steffan had brought their ambulance with them! The students all took turns hopping aboard and seeing what the inside of an ambulance looks like! What an amazing experience. The PPA students are so fortunate to have such amazing and friendly helpers in our community! Be sure to scroll to the bottom of this blog post to view all of the photographs from E.M.T. Kate and E.M.T. Steffan’s visit to PPA.
On Thursday, the students trekked down Central Avenue to the local landmark, Goehrig’s Bakery! Over 75 years old, Goehrig’s Bakery has been providing sweet treats to patrons of Jersey City, Hudson County and beyond! The students eyes widened as they entered the bakery and saw all of the delicious delicacies the bakery had to offer! The bakery attendants pictured below helped the students learn all about what a day is like working in a bakery! She explained that all day long, the staff works with the baker to prepare amazing treats including (but not limited to) pastries, cakes, cupcakes, tarts, pies, bread, and danishes! After some debate, the students decided the that the chocolate cupcakes with vanilla frosting and rainbow sprinkles were the perfect choice to purchase! The students turned into customers as they placed their order! One more thing needed to happen before the treats could be enjoyed. They needed to be paid for! Another student handed the PPA credit card over the counter to pay for the baked goods and the students were on their way. Of course, they gave a heartfelt and LOUD “Park Prep Academy Thank You” before leaving! After each student had eaten their lunch, the teachers passed out the cupcakes for the students to enjoy – which they clearly did! What a fun and delicious day it was!
On Thursday afternoon, the students participated in a technology presentation all about community. Miss Jocelyn gave the students clues and hints about a job that a particular member of the community does. For example – This community member helps keep people safe when they go swimming in the ocean, lake or a pool. Who is this community member? Answer: a Life Guard!
The students did such a great job guessing all of the different community members in the community! They particularly LOVED meeting some community members from a different and very famous neighborhood. Click below to watch a few classic Sesame Street clips called “Who are the people in Your Neighborhood” to meet some other community members!
Speaking of firefighters, the students, teachers, and some PPA parents spent Friday morning with some of Jersey City’s bravest Firefighters at the local Firehouse! The firefighters really pulled out all the stops for the PPA kids! Captain Mike Alessi and his firefighting team did a phenomenal job explaining the different ways to stay safe in a fire. The students learned about, discussed and practiced fire safety all morning long! As if climbing aboard a fire truck and spraying a fire hose wasn’t exciting enough, the students were in shock to learn that the firefighters had gifts to present to the students! Each student left the firehouse with a fire hat, a fire badge, a coloring book and crayons! The students were so appreciative of the firefighters hard work and generosity! With a big “Park Prep Thank You”, the students said goodbye to the firefighters and then headed back to school. What an wonderful trip it was! Be sure to look below for some of the photographic highlights from the incredible and important field trip!
Wow! Talk about an AMAZING week of camp! We cannot wait to see what next week – Outdoor Adventure Week – has in store! A special PPA Thank You to all of the PPA parents and community helpers that were such an integral part this past week! Your time and efforts are appreciated more than you realize! Well, that is all for this week of camp. As always, thank you for reading. Have a fun and safe weekend!
-PPA
REMINDERS:
Next Week – Outdoor Adventure Week!
Monday – WATER PARK and ART DAY!
Tuesday – WATER PARK and ART DAY!
Wednesday – Face Painting Day!
3 dayers – Tuition for August Camp is due
Thursday – Outdoor Obstacle Course!
2 and 5 dayers – Tuition for August Camp is due
End of July Session
Friday – First Day of August Camp – Art Day!
Click here to view all of the photos from this week of camp!