As a teacher – especially one in a Catholic school – it is my responsibility to respond to the events of current times in hopes of shaping students to be individuals who understand their own inherent dignity and the God-given dignity of others. This year, our final project will continue our year-long conversation about being Peace Makers not Peace Breakers by bringing it into your home. As your children’s primary educator, they learn about the world through you. I can teach them about conflict resolution, how to address disagreements, how to advocate for themselves, how to see themselves as made by a God who will never leave them behind – but I cannot teach them about their family heritage; about the beautiful, rich, intricate stories that build each of our families. As their parents, only you can help them really discover their identity as rooted in their cultural heritage. And in turn, I’ll be the person who advocates for their voice not only in the classroom, but throughout their lives. Please know that your students have taught me so much about what it means to love. Your children have shared stories with me that constantly reflect your abundant love for them. Living thousands of miles away from my own family, it is your example of love that reminds me every day what it means to be a part of the St. Gregory’s community. Thank you for your partnership, especially in this time where you have become the teacher as well. Though stressful, this time with your children has been irreplaceable, and what they will remember about this time is YOU. My desire is that this project – in our final week of school – gives you the space to connect with your children in a special way that only you can do. Please see the next page for detailed directions. In gratitude, Ms. Blakley

Second Grade End of the Year Project

1. Parents: read through the Cultural Intelligence slideshow on your own first. Then, make a time and space to read it with your children. We have talked about culture in the classroom, but as you read, help them make connections to how the elements of culture are lived out in your own family.

2. Check your email from me for a Google Slides titled: “[YOUR STUDENT NAME] Final Project”

- This slide show is called “Unpacking My Culture”

3. You can use mine as a sample if needed. This is accessible on the website.

4. “Unpacking My Culture” Slide Show Final Project a. With your student, have conversations about your family heritage & traditions. Our

culture incudes our food, music, and dress – but it is not only that. It includes our thinking, tendencies, preferences, habits, humor, skills, etc.

b. There are no boundaries with this project. Meaning – if there are things you want

to write that might not be “school appropriate” WRITE THEM! The point of this project is for students to see that there are different cultures in the world (even “school culture” can be different) and that’s okay!! It’s more than okay, it’s GOOD!

c. Add pictures where designated. Be creative! If there are other languages spoken at

home, you’re welcome to do parts of the project in that language.

Second Grade End of the Year Project