What better way to stay informed about the innovative learning taking place in our Pasadena public schools than to visit them!
This week the Pasadena Educational Foundation held its Board of Directors meeting in the Media Center at Marshall Fundamental School, giving its board members a great opportunity to visit the campus and experience the school.
Following the meeting, PEF staff and board toured Marshall classes in action, led by Principal Lori Touloumian and Marshall upper grade students. The group visited classrooms of all kinds, including choir and orchestra classes, as well as a 6th grade English class where students were discussing literature genres and their key differences.
Dr. Mary Stevens gave an overview of Marshall’s AP Capstone Program, the only one of its kind in the Pasadena region. The program takes an interdisciplinary approach to develop the critical thinking, research, collaboration, and presentation skills of students. Through a two year course, students are guided through a college-level research project of their choosing, write an academic paper, and defend their research in front of an education panel. The program not only prepares students for college level work, but offers a glimpse into what would be required to earn a doctoral degree.
The tour concluded in the school’s historic auditorium, where students were putting the finishing touches on sets and costumes for their upcoming play, She Kills Monsters, the story of a woman who uses Dungeons and Dragons to deal with grief, which runs from November 30 – Dec. 2.
All told, the morning was filled with the fantastic educational opportunities found at Marshall Fundamental School. Thank you to the Marshall staff, teachers, and students for welcoming us onto their campus.
To learn more about Marshall Fundamental, book yourself a tour here.
