25-26 The Mirror Final Issue

PrideWorks:

Beyond The Classroom

By Ben Ingersoll

PrideWorks is an organization that supports LGBTQ+ students in schools. This year, the Pride Club went to Purchase College in Purchase, NY to visit the PrideWorks conference.

What They Did

At the PrideWorks conference, students went to different sections of the campus to learn about the LGBTQ+ community. Students participated in various activities such as interviews with famous LGBTQ+ celebrities and keynote speakers.

What They Thought

Many of the students enjoyed the conference, some even saying it was beyond their expectations. “I expected it to be like the girls' STEAM event that happens over the summer where you would go to different classes to learn different things, and have different experiences. The actual trip included stands with information and pamphlets to read more information. Some stands included famous people in the LGBTQ+ community. After that we listened to the group speakers who had stories to share and then we went to our classes,” says avid Pride Club member Cadence Phillips. Most students said they enjoyed the keynote speaker the best, saying they were fascinating and inspiring. “My favorite part of the trip was the keynote speaker because her story about how she transitioned from a he to a she was very interesting,” said member Ronan Saunders.

In conclusion, PrideWorks is an amazing eye-opening event that has taught many students about the LGBTQ+ community and their struggles. The pride club usually meets on Wednesdays and if you are interested in going to PrideWorks next year, reach out to Ms. Gruver!

The 6th Grade Mohonk Field Trip:

A Lake, a Skytop, and a Few Test Kits!

By Ruofan Ren

Wow, what an exciting adventure! It’s been the highlight of the year for us 6th graders. What is it? You might wonder. Well, it’s pretty self-explanatory. The 6th graders had their last trip to Mohonk with either Ms. Bryant or Mr. Savelson.

What’s it about? The objective is for 6th graders to use equipment such as the test kits, secchi disk, wind meter, thermometer, and the deep sampler tool to test the pH and temperature of Mohonk Lake with a surface sample, and a forty foot deep sample. The wind meter and thermometer was for testing wind speed and temperature at the lake. Then, after the science experiments, everyone would take a hike all the way up to Skytop, and eat lunch there.

Every part of the field trip was enjoyable, but I wonder what was everyone’s favorite part?

“I guess I’d say when we were doing all the measurements because it was fun,” says Mae Fulton.

“My favorite part of the field trip is going to the Skytop area to hang out and look at the views that are amazing,” says Leila Snyder.

The Skytop area was beautiful, but it wasn’t the main focus of the trip. How did everyone think of the water testing part, which was the main focus?

“I thought the water testing part was very fun, doing the measurements, trying to find the pH, and I loved the suspense of the pH reveal,” says 6th grader Ada Fullam.

“I thought that the water testing part was really fun,” says Ella Sabini.

Well, you have a few opinions from the students, but what did the teachers think about this trip’s timing and overall experience?

“The timing of the trip has been the same for as long as I can remember. It’s nice that students go by class as opposed to a whole grade, which makes it a more meaningful experience,” says Ms. Abrahamsen.

“The trip is always a favorite of mine personally, because I love going up to the Mohonk Preserve, and enjoy sharing it with the students even more. The science part of the trip is engaging, because the students run their groups. You get to do the experiments and draw conclusions from what you found. The teachers who go are usually guiding the students, rather than instructing them, which is a positive. The timing this year was great. There have been previous years where we would do this trip during the end of October or early November. If we happen to go on a below average temperature day with above average winds, the entire trip was difficult for some students due to the cold. Late April can still provide these challenges, but the weather was extremely favorable for the most part this year,” says Mr. Mead.

“I thought it was amazing because of the combination of science and the room to run around and be a kid, and a time for reflection. I think the timing was perfect, it was right before the State Math Test, right after the ELA one, and it was with the warm weather,” says Ms. Ibrahim.

“I think it's a beautiful time of year to be outside and enjoying nature,” says Ms. Grey.

“What I feel about the timing of the trip is that it’s a great time to be outside,” says Ms. Hopper.

“I feel like this field trip to Mohonk offers a variety of learning opportunities for students. Science wise, it provided a chance for students to use scientific equipment to collect data in the field, which is a valuable experience for future scientists. Then, on another level, students and teachers get to be outside all day in a beautiful setting which includes an incredible view of New Paltz up at SkyTop. When the weather cooperates, it is really an amazing day. The timing of the trip usually works well with the weather (Spring), but it is during a very busy part of the school year, with performances, projects and tests that can make it less than ideal. I wish the timing of the sixth grade trip was in the fall, and fortunately, it will be starting next year!” says Mr. Savelson.

“What I love about the Mohonk trip is that it takes out learning outside of the classroom for the day. While on the trip, students are able to apply what they are learning to real hands-on experiences. The timing of the trip is one of the most difficult things about this trip, and, in truth, is not ideal. Since we are on the Mohonk Mountain House property, rather than Mohonk Preserve property, we have a very limited window of time where we can schedule these trips. For the past few years this has resulted in the field trips occurring between the ELA and Math state tests. However, next year there will be a change in programming which means that there will be a new field trip experience that takes place in the fall,” says Ms. Bryant.

Well, due to these opinions, I can say that this year’s field trip was a HUGE success! Let’s hope that this trip can be continued for years to come!