Park Avenue Elementary students have been busy with engaging activities that build curiosity, creativity, and community, both inside and outside the classroom.

In Nicole Palma’s fifth grade classroom, the room became a global landscape as students wrapped up a multi-week study of Earth’s diverse ecosystems. Each student demonstrated their learning by creating an ecosystem habitat diorama and writing an informational report, then sharing their research and discoveries with the class. The project showcased strong research skills, creativity, and pride in student work as classmates learned from one another’s presentations.

Students are also continuing to explore important lessons in history and character. Savannah McEntire’s first graders took part in a lesson focused on Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., encouraging thoughtful discussion and reflection at an early age.

To add even more joy to the week, Park Avenue staff also launched a fun “secret” staff-only spirit week designed to keep students smiling and guessing. Teachers planned playful surprises such as using silly classroom phrases, wearing mismatched items, standing in unexpected spots, and doing things slightly backwards on purpose. Today’s “big reveal” shared a simple message with students: school is a place where it’s okay to notice, question, laugh, and be yourself.