September 26, 2024

In this edition of Pville Press, we're taking a look at how the lifelong learners, dynamic thinkers, and compassionate, contributing citizens at Pleasantville Schools are exploring the wider world from the comfort of their classrooms.

Pleasantville High School Graduate Shares International Adventures with Spanish Class

Earlier this week, America Blanco's Spanish class at Pleasantville High School heard from one of her former students, who has gone on to see the world since he graduated in 2015. Oscar Marchi, a Pleasantville graduate and one of Blanco's former student's spoke to current Pleasantville High School students in Spanish about his adventures since his time in Pleasantville Schools.

"You've been getting a foundational understanding of Spanish for years, you're ready," Marchi said. "If I can only recommend one thing to you, it's to study abroad. I learned so much and became so passionate about all of the places that I've been"

Oscar's secondary language education literally unlocked a whole new world for Oscar to explore, the Spanish-speaking world.

"I'm a part of the Peace Corps, I've been in it for almost two years and it's been one of the most eye-opening experiences of my life. I've lived in the Dominican Republic, Brazil, Portugal, Chile, Spain, and more. Even when I travel to places where Spanish isn't spoken, like Thailand, I can speak with English-speaking and Spanish-speaking travelers."

Marchi worked hard for years after school to fund his travels. The functional knowledge of Spanish attained at PHS, rounded out by his experience in Spanish-speaking countries, became the key that unlocked much of the rest of the world for Marchi.

Bedford Road Students

Celebrate Mid-Autumn Festival

Students in Lauren Davidson's second grade class had the chance to hear about the traditions of the family of one of their classmates. Aydin Li's father, William Li, visited the class to share in the celebration of the Mid-Autumn festival.

"The story of the Chang'e and Houyi is very important to a lot of people," William said. "Every year we celebrate with mooncakes because this celebration describes how Houyi became the moon goddess in mythology."

Students were enamored by the delicious looking mooncakes that William brought in as well as the animated video he showed that told the story of the Chang'e, Houyi, and the Moon Rabbit. When asked what special foods the other students enjoy on holidays, second grade student Juliana frantically raised her hand, waiting to be called on.

"We always have pumpkin cookies at Halloween!" she said.

The class concluded with a unique crafts project. Davidson's class took on the challenge to make paper lanterns from kits generously provided by William. What ensued was a flurry of cooperation as students worked together to construct their lanterns. They shared tips and were quick to offer a helping hand whenever a classmate struggled with an instruction.

Our students don't need to look far to share in a myriad of different family traditions and gain a wider perspective on the world right here in the Pleasantville community.

Pville Schools at a Glance

Pleasantville Middle School's Science Olympiad is one of many afterschool organizations at Pleasantville UFSD that aims to offer students a way to engage with core subjects beyond the classroom. The PMS Science Olympiad interest meeting was well attended earlier this month, we're excited for a very successful year for our competitors!

Pleasantville High School is lucky to have so many high-achieving students, including six students who have completed the requirements to become AP Capstone Diploma recipients. Congratulations to Jonah Glass, Jack Chisholm, Zachary Neilson-Papish, Katherine Tassier, Montana Peppard, and Camilla Zabikhodjaeva for this outstanding accomplishment!

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