Collaboration Celebrates
A newspaper written by elementary students, mentored by university students
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THE
SNELLING CONNECTION Newsletter for the Hamline to Hamline Collaboration
Spring Issue 2013 Volume 16, Issue 2
Newspaper Welcomes New Co-Editor Smith aspires to teach By Dee Thao Journalist
[Photo by: Margot Howard] Students and faculty from Hamline Elementary and Hamline University take part in a mock trial on Hamline University’s campus.
Mock Trial Brings Smiles
Sixth graders, law students to learn about judicial system By Elizza Yang Journalist “All rise! This court will now come to order,” the bailiff proclaims. This is what fifth grade Hamline Elementary students heard when they began their Mock Trail with Hamline University. Mock Trial is a representation of a trial taking place in a courtroom. Mock trial provides an opportunity to learn about lawyers, judges, witnesses, the jury, and other components of the justice system within the United States. Mrs. Washburne, a fifth grade teacher from Hamline Elementary, said, “Mock Trial is an amazing way to see what a [real trial] feels like. It is a perfect chance for people who want to do any kind of speaking as a career choice. It’s also fun in several different ways.” Brenden, a fifth grader attending Hamline Elementary said, “This is a good example for us kids, and [as for who’s guilty], I think Mike did it!”
Mike is the fictional character who was charged with the crime. Working as a group, the university and elementary students evaluated evidence, testimonies, and oral arguments to determine if, in fact, Brenden’s guess is accurate. Each group of elementary students had the assistance of a university law student who worked with a selected group of students. The entire process of the trial, much like a real trial, takes place over more than a day. Hamline Law School students and Hamline Elementary students each spend time on the other school’s campus during these preparations. This program, which is nothing new to The Hamline to Hamline Collaboration, is a strong example of the variety of benefits provided by the collaboration. Students from both schools develop skills in oral arguments, writing, and interpersonal communication. Both teachers and students look forward to many more years to come.
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Snelling Connection resumes from a long winter break with a new Co-Editor, Darrian Smith, who came to Hamline University from Atlanta Georgia. He wants to study Education and Sociology, with a certification in Special Education. After the position of Co-Editor opened up, Smith realized he wanted to be a Co-Editor for the Snelling Connection. He stated, “I wanted to be a CoEditor because I felt it was a good opportunity to teach myself and others.” Smith has an interest in writing poetry. His interest in poetry has shown in the classroom recently as the class took a break from news articles to work instead on creative writing. A first year at Hamline, Snelling Connection is new to him and he enjoys it, “I like the experiment behind it, and I like being in a classroom with students.” His goal for Snelling Connection is to create an even better newspaper than last year. Snelling Connection is an opportunity only a few kids get to participate in, but those who do are eager to share the excitement. Smith shares the excitement of the Snelling Connection over the fact that the paper can help those involved in the collaboration know what is happening between the two schools. Smith is a good guy and will be a great Co-Editor. He’s funny and if you get to know him, you’ll like him. His lessons are always filled with humor. The collaboration is greatful for his contributions thus far, and we can’t wait to see what he does in the future!
The Snelling Connection
The Snelling Connection
NEWS
Immersion Program Seeks to Attract Students
Hancock Elementary changes name with redistricting
Buddies Build Bonds
Elementary, University students paired for success
President of the Hand-In Hand program, Brooklyn Petrich, Members of the Hamline loves the program and continues to University academic community support and help it as much as she is provide young students with an able. University mentors share their opportunity to have an older friend and knowledge of college and discuss future experience a piece of university life. In plans for life after high school with their addition, university students are also elementary buddies. There are about provided with an opportunity to gain thirty students that have buddies this new perspectives on life in general. year with more interested in signing The program looks for university up. students to pair with elementary In addition to their weekly buddy students based upon similar interests. sessions, Hand-In-Hand mentors bring They also specify whether they’d like to their Hamline Elementary buddy to work with a second or sixth grader. visit Hamline’s campus for large group By Atheena Yang Journalist
Have a story idea? We’d love to hear it! Email: snellingconnection17@gmail.com
events. At these events, students experience a piece of university life while playing large group games, eating food together, and discussing college. If you’d like to join the Hand-InHand program, check out The Hamline to Hamline portal at www.hamline. edu/hancock.
Hancock Elementary changes name with redistricting By Taw Bee Journalist
to go with a new name which better represents the schools’ collaboration. Having Hamline Elementary as a It’s official! Hancock-Hamline name, people will immediately know Collaborative Magnet School’s new there is a connection between Hamline name is Hamline Elementary. Elementary and Hamline University. Due to the district restructuring The school’s leadership team, of St. Paul Public Schools, Hancock is as well as The Hamline to Hamline not going to be a magnet Advisory Board, school anymore. Rather, discussed possibilities ...people will Hamline Elementary, for the new name. The know that there along with all other St. top suggestions had been is a connection Paul Public Schools, placed on a ballot as right away will be restructured into part of the Kid’s Voting between Hamline neighborhood schools. election on November 6, Elementary S c h o o l 2012. Students, faculty, and Hamline administrators saw staff, and community University.” this as an opportunity members voted on these
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Yakob explains strengths of tutor program By Sarah Henry Journalist
Have you ever had a tutor? The Hamline to Hamline Collaboration has a tutoring partnership between the elementary school and university. Hamline Helpers, as the tutors are often referred to, enter the program with the help of Lead Tutor, Faduma Yakob. She’s in charge of making sure all tutors that come to Hamline Elementary from Hamline University know what class to go to and when. Snelling Connection had a chance to interview Yakob. The following are summaries of the interview: Snelling Connection (SC): Do you feel like this tutoring helps the students? If so, why? Faduma Yakob (FY): I do feel that
tutoring helps the students because it opens up the opportunity for them to gain extra support in the classroom. SC: How long have you been involved with the tutor program? FY: I have been tutoring at Hamline Elementary for four years. SC: What is your experience being a Hamline Helper? FY: My experience as a tutor has been wonderful. I’ve met so many great students through my four years here. SC: How did you become a Hamline Helper? FY: I became a helper through the job fair on the university’s campus. SC: What are your thoughts about the diversity integration trainings for tutors? FY: Both tutors and the students come from many different cultures, and that
is definitely a plus in this program. SC: Do you enjoy working with other cultures? FY: I definitely enjoy working with students from a wide array of backgrounds. I feel that they can teach me different perspectives that I may have not come across alone. Through her hard work and dedication, Yakob has become a valued asset to The Hamline to Hamline Collaboration. Her work as well as the work of other tutors furthers the education of each student at Hamline Elementary. If you would like to become a part of this important program, find details on the collaboration portal which can be found by going to www.hamline. edu/hancock.
Hamline University Hamline University’s Shannon McParland becomes the Hancock-Hamline Collaboration liasion.
Rededication ceremony between HU and HE includes Earth Day activities to celebrate HU’s 150th anniversary.
Third graders from HE create murals. The first piece of art could be seen along north Snelling Avenue.
An issue of Snelling Connection is presented to First Lady Michelle Obama, by former Co-Editor, Angela Frome.
Hamline to Hamline Collaboration T-shirts on sale now!
1991
1996 1995
Hancock Elementary name changes to Hancock Hamline Collaborative Magnet School HU.
1996 1996
Student Congress donate $22,000 to utilize in the Hamline to Hamline Collaboration.
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2000 1997
Sixth graders visit the Minnesota state capital where they spoke with members of the house and senate.
2004 2003
Earth Day activities, including Earth Bumper Cars, take place with HE and HU community members.
2006 2004
Mayor of St. Paul, Randy Kelly, declares May 7, 2004 to be Hancock-Hamline Collaborative Magnet School Day.
2010 2006
to NE HAM LI
Hancock-Hamline Collaboration enters top five finalists for the statewide Carter Award for community partnerships.
LL
2012 HE votes to change name to Hamline Elementary as part of redistricting. Vote took place during Kids Voting.
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$12
Pick one up at Hamline Elementary for only
HAM
125
C
Survey compiled by Emma Luchsinger
NE LI
ollaboration elebrates
With the help of Kathy McLain, Jennifer Lund, and Heather Klay, a music program is created at HE.
A. I like the new name. B. I don’t like the new name. C. I didn’t know the name was changing. D. I don’t have an opinion.
CO
By Hassan Sheikh-Abukar Journalist
HE starts two reading programs, Rainbow Readers and Roll & Read, for kids in grades K-6.
30% 20% 10% 40%
Lead Tutor Dedicated to Partnership
Hamline Elementary Hamline University (HU) and Hamline Elementary (HE) recognize the collaboration which unofficially began in 1888.
What is your opinion of the new name for Hamline Elementary?
HA M
L I NE TO HA MLINE
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[Photo taken from http://benmays.spps.org] Hamline Elementary utilizes immersion program to foster student development.
Visualize yourself walking into a classroom where all the students and the teacher speak Chinese. English is narrowly, if ever, spoken. This will soon be a common occurrence as Hamline Elementary begins a new program intended to attract students to the school. It’s called the Mandarin Immersion Program. According to Craig Anderson, Hamline Elementary Principal, he thinks it is exciting to provide students the opportunity to learn a new language. Learning Chinese
will not only make them achieve more in school -- but also in life. The Chinese program will be taught by a fluent speaker of the Mandarin language. Since the program is still in the early stages of starting up, only kindergarten and first grade can enroll in the program next year. As the program grows, more grade levels will likely be added. Taw, a sixth grader in Mr. Lein’s classroom stated, “I think it’s a good idea because ... students can learn a different language and culture ...” The Mandarin Immersion Program looks forward to its launch at the beginning of the 2013 - 2014 school year. For more information, go to http://ell.spps.org/Mandarin_ Immersion_Program.html.
Change Brings New Name
names. While the name change is not official until the 2013 - 2014 school year, the transition process has already begun. Students, faculty, staff, and community members have begun using the name in an effort to normalize it before the next school year. If you want to learn more about the new name, contact Craig Anderson at craig.anderson@spps.org.
I
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By Rayan Dhamuke Journalist
NEWS
A B O R AT
Celebrating over 125 years of elementary, university & community collaboration.
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The Snelling Connection NEWS
Elementary Says Goodbye to Sixth Grade Redistricting moves sixth graders to middle school The sixth graders set an example for the rest of the school, and it is going to be sad to see them go. The fifth graders will soon need to step up as the responsible role models for the school. Redistricting of St. Paul Public Schools will move sixth graders to middle school for the 2013 - 2014 academic year. It’s very important everyone By Tabu Henry Journalist
is ready when this change comes. Students could benefit from more time in middle school. This change allows students more time to adjust so they can understand and feel more comfortable with the people they’ll be working with. St. Paul Public Schools have been converted back to neighborhood schools – a move practice which had been removed initially as a move to encourage desegregation in schools. After significant research into the possible consequences of returning to neighborhood schools,
district administrators feel confident this will actually further integrate schools given the current makeup of the various neighborhoods. Additionally, the measure will allow the district to spend less money on busing. It will also decrease the amount of time most students spend on the bus ride to school. Given this knowledge and the significant savings on busing, the move was seen as the best method to save district funds with minimal cuts to staff and faculty.
Collaboration Adds Gymnastics to Pairings Kindergarten partners with university gymnastics team in new partnership By Jessica Lee Journalist Hamline Elementary kindergartners are learning gymnastics! You may be wondering what gymnastics is. Gymnastics is a sport which showcases agility and coordination through activities such as bouncing on
the big balls, doing massive flips, and swinging on bars. To these wonderful kindergarteners, gymnastics is a great sport. When talking to two kindergarten students from Hamline Elementary, Hanah expressed this point when she said, “I love gymnastics! One day, I want to be a gymnastics coach.” Kindergartner Emricard stated,
“I can’t go to gymnastics, but I watch my classmates play. I take pictures, and my friend plays with me!” This new partnership between the university and elementary school is sure to become another longtime partnership between the schools. This pairing joins similar programs such as swimming, music class, and many more programs supported by The Hamline to Hamline Collaboration. Far Left: A group of kindergarteners await their next instruction. Middle: University gymnastic members watch as kindergarteners practice their newly learned skills. Near Left: Paw Eh Dah practices on the balance beam as a Hamline University gymnast spots her. [Photos by: Jennifer Hamilton]
125
Years Together
SUPPORT THE COLLABORATION!
Give your gift @ www.hamline.edu/hancock today!
Snelling Connection Updates The Snelling Connection has the great honor of sharing the news of the 125th anniversary for The Hamline to Hamline Collaboration. Long before the Midway neighborhood looked as it does today, the partnership between Hamline Elementary and Hamline University stood tall among the then grassy fields which surrounded a scaled down version of Snelling Avenue. Today, while many things have changed along the way, the commitment to education has never left our field of vision. Through the dedication of various people for over a century, both schools have shown a tireless desire to better our community through providing meaningful experiences which encourage lifelong learning. — Isaac Mullin Snelling Connection Editor
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Reasons To Give
Snelling Connection Staff Journalists Emma Luchsinger | 5th Grade Rayan Dhamuke | 6th Grade
Hancock Student Advisor Glynis Grostephan | Gifted Services glynis.grostephan@spps.org
Tabu Henry | 5th Grade Sarah Henry | 5th Grade Elizza Yang | 5th Grade Dee Thao | 5th Grade Jessica Lee | 5th Grade Atheena Yang | 6th Grade Taw Bee | 6th Grade
Hamline Student Advisor Letitia Basford | Education Dept. lbasford01@hamline.edu
Hassan Sheikh-Abukar | 4th Grade
Snelling Connection Co-Editors Isaac Mullin | Hamline Student Email: imullin01@hamline.edu
H-H Collaboration Coordinator Margot Howard | Wesley Center mhoward03@hamline.edu
Darrian Smith | Hamline Student Email: dsmith25@hamline.edu