Mosaic Day Filled with Learning and Service Opportunities

On January 16, Tandem observed one of several Mosaic Days built into our annual schedule, and each grade spent their time a little differently. Mosaic Days typically focus on alternative learning with the theme of Quaker values and service learning and this one was no different. It was a full day of learning for the whole community.

On this January Mosaic Day, Middle Schoolers together participated in the National Geographic Geography Bee, with 8th grader Charlie Kalnite coming out victorious and ready to represent Tandem at the next levels (first taking an online test to determine if he will advance to state-level competition). Later, Middle Schoolers worked on some unique academic collaborations. For example, 5th graders learned about molas, a traditional textile art made by the Kuna people of Panama. In a joint art-Spanish class taught in both English and Spanish, the students created their own molas out of colored paper. While traditional molas depict geometric designs, the students' artwork featured animals and colorful Kuna-inspired designs. 7th and 8th grade students performed some service work that included singing at a local rehab facility, writing cards to Children's Hospital, prepping for Conservation Lobby Day, and more. Middle Schoolers ended the day with films that shared a theme of racism.

9th graders watched a powerful film about World War I to further their studies on the topic, then enjoyed some mindfulness activities. Sophomores had the UVA Dreamers speakers come to talk with them, watched a film about Charlottesville's Vinegar Hill neighborhood, and spent the afternoon in an interactive budgeting activity. Juniors also heard from the UVA Dreamers, then began work on a Tandem history and archives project focused on our upcoming 50th anniversary. Seniors focused their day on the topic of immigration/ICE, including hearing the story of local Guatemalan asylum seeker Maria, whose church minister has spoken to students at Tandem before. Maria also taught students how to make rellenos de plátano and doblados, made from masa, vegetables and chicken.