Park for Every Classroom 2017 Workshop

Exploring Essex County with 22 teachers, ranging in grade level and discipline, Essex Heritage hosted Park for Every Classroom for a 6th consecutive year this summer. The workshop introduces local teachers to place-based service learning, a method of teaching that allows students to have a voice in solving a real world problem in their community.  And as a fun filled week with teachers wasn’t enough – the Park for Every Classroom program was highlighted in North Shore Magazine’s Back to School issue (on stands now).  

The best part? We don’t say goodbye to the teachers after the workshop — 20 of these teachers will go on to implement projects in their classrooms with support from Essex Heritage educators as a part of a graduate course offered at Salem State University.

 PEC Workshop 2017 - Forest River Marsh, Salem

Learning by the Light 

Fifteen middle school students, enrolled in a program called Healthy Harbors (offered by Salem Sound Coast Watch), helped pilot an education program on Bakers Island. The students explored shipwrecks from the past and closely examined the role of the Bakers Island Light Keepers in saving those at sea -– then they acted out these shipwrecks in short skits.  

Another group, Caribbean Connections (offered by the House of the Seven Gables) spent a perfect summer day playing classic lawn games like bocce, croquet, and corn hole. For some of these children it was their first time on a boat, or on an island, and Essex Heritage is happy to be a part of these early memories that connect them to their local place.  

 Healthy Harbors at Bakers Island

Salem @ SEA 

14 English Language Learners from Salem High School participated in Salem @ SEA this summer.  In partnership with Salem State University, the House of the Seven Gables, and LEAP for Education, Essex Heritage was proud to provide feild experiences for these students to better understand the city of Salem and make a meaningful connection.  

Future Leaders 

The Future Leader’s have been very busy working at heritage sites throughout the county, but they also had some very important meetings at the State House!