As students and teachers across Essex County wrapped up the school year, some also celebrated their work with collaborative place-based, service-learning projects that utilize the rich heritage resources of the region. Fifteen teachers participated in the “Park for Every Classroom” program offered by Essex Heritage and the National Park Service. Using the training they received, these educators worked with their students and community partners to implement eight unique projects that align with curriculum, engage in their local place, and serve a “real world” need. Eight hundred sixty-six students were served by the program this year.  Some of those students, teachers and community partners showcased their work at the Salem Visitor Center last month in a celebratory event.

  • Beverly:

    • Cove School students created awareness about a vernal pool adjacent to their school, becoming “citizen scientists” as they studied the habitat and collected data about the species that rely on the pool.

  • Peabody: 

    • High School students developed a Veterans oral history project, hosting a breakfast for Peabody veterans and creating an online gallery of their stories.

    • Middle School students worked with the Northshore Mall to create a technology based “Mall Walk” so that mall visitors can learn about the history of the property from the 1600s- present day using QR codes.

  • Swampscott: 

    • High School students worked to integrate mindfulness into their school culture via a Wellness Day.

    • 5th graders partnered with the Lynn Museum to create outreach kits about the shoe industry that will help the museum connect with students who cannot come to the museum in person.

  • Amesbury:

    • Amesbury High School math students created “Maritime Math” activities for younger students at Lowell’s Boat Shop and Salem Maritime National Historic Site.

    • Amesbury Middle School students created poetry and science-based activities to connect with their school grounds and an adjacent trail.