Cleveland Metropolitan School District and Starting Point/Universal Pre-K

Cleveland, OH

Photo 1: Clark School Action Team Members

Photo 2: Principal Amanda Rodriguez with 2019 NNPS Partnership School Award Plaque

Celebrating Diversity

Clark’s Pre-K program was working to get as many families as possible to share and appreciate their diverse cultures at an exciting school event. The Action Team for Partnerships (ATP) planned carefully. First, the team sent home a short survey to learn more about the different family backgrounds at the school. Students and families came from Puerto Rico, Mexico, Ireland, Dominican Republic, and Italy, and from many parts of the U.S. They were African American, Hispanic, white, and many proud mixes. A short follow-up survey asked family members to select ways that they would like to participate at Celebrating Diversity, such as displaying cultural artifacts; creating display boards; setting up tables, performing a song, dance, poem, or story; or providing food representing their culture or family background.    

At Celebrating Diversity, participants learned interesting facts about each culture represented in the school. There were two dance performances by the PreK children and by an Irish Dance instructor. Music from different cultures played softly in the background. Most enjoyable, was a luncheon feast of foods from many cultures including tacos, rice and beans, greens, ribs, pastas, and many kinds of cakes, puddings, and pies. This participatory activity encouraged even the most timid family members to showcase their backgrounds and histories, and connect them with others. Everyone agreed that although backgrounds differ, Clark parents, students, and teachers come together to build a strong and welcoming school community. 

STEAM Night

The Clark Preschool Action Team for Partnerships (ATP) knows that some parents are unaware that STEAM subjects (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math) are part of the PreK curriculum. One engagement activity focused on science and the natural resources in the community. Cleveland Metroparks is a huge system of parks throughout the city and suburbs with more than 300 miles of trails, eight golf courses, eight lakefront parks and beaches, and a nationally-acclaimed zoo. Staff from Metroparks volunteered to come to Clark to lead a presentation about backyard animals, and to provide information about the many resources that are available to schools, families, and their children. 

The participants at STEAM Night were guided to use all five senses to experience the outdoors and to learn new things about animals that can be discovered in Cleveland’s backyards and parks. The presentation included puppets, magnifying glasses, displays, and games. One of the favorite games was to feel something from the Metroparks in a bag and, without looking, guess what it was. Families learned about the resources available and about free summer activities for children. Dinner was served after the presentation to give families and the Metroparks staff time to socialize and network with each other.