Chagrin Falls Middle School Teacher Christie Briggs and three eighth grade students Jack Ferenczy, Ellie Foley and Caitlin Larkin, were invited to present their “Savin D’ Espoir” project as well as other projects on Haiti at the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated Greater Cleveland Alumnae Chapter’s International Awareness and Involvement Day Conference entitled Hope for Haiti: Greater Cleveland Cares.
Briggs and her students from Chagrin Falls Middle School have completed numerous projects associated with Haiti over the past few years. Last year, students collected eyeglasses for the residents of Haiti. This past December, French students learned how to make and market soap to aid students in Haiti. With the money raised from the sale of the soaps, Briggs partnered with sculptor David Shankland to provide art supplies to a school for young adults he is opening in Haiti. Students also have been learning about the culture of Haiti by communicating with pen pals at a school in Haiti.
Throughout this past semester, students in Briggs’ French class have been working on independent study projects related to the culture, history and language of Haiti. They wrote and filmed movies and debuted their work on April 28th during a French movie night. The students also presented their projects to their teacher, classmates and guests, and were able to view each other’s movies and projects. “We even included English subtitles in our movies for our non-French speaking family and friends,” said Briggs.
At the Delta Sigma Theta International Awareness Conference, Briggs and the students presented all of the above activities. “The conference increases an international awareness and public support for communities and cultures around the world,” said Laurel Darling, committee member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority. “ It also provides a forum to increase international awareness and involvement by promoting participation in and the education of global issues. This year, the conference specifically increased awareness of the Haitian Crisis and relief and resources.” Jasmine Monroe of WKYC TV 3 served as the moderator. Not only did Briggs and her students present, they attended workshops as well.
As the school year comes to a close, in-class presentations about the independent study projects will be the focus of the speaking portion of the semester exam. In addition, students will be sending one more letter to their pen pals. “With Mr. Shankland continuing to split his time between the U.S. and Haiti, we can be sure that this letter exchange will continue with these students and for future French students,” said Briggs. “It’s a wonderful way to build 21st century skills and use real-life situations to solve problems and learn about language, culture and communication! It has been an amazing experience for both my students and me.”
Pictured In Photo: From Left to Right, Jack Ferenczy, Christie Briggs, Ellie Foley and Caitlin Larkin
Chagrin Falls’ April Super News is Online
Residents can read the latest issue of Chagrin Falls Schools’ digital magazine, Super News, at this link: . Residents also can access it from the homepage of the district website at: Chagrin Falls School District. The publication features a message from the superintendent, updates on Board of Education meetings, "Super Spotlights" of students and staff, as well as many stories and photos of happenings in the school buildings.
