WHAT ’ S NEWS IN SHALER
PROVIDENCE HEIGHTS ALPHA SCHOOL MAKES CONNECTION WITH VILLAGE IN WEST AFRICA
The second grade students of the Alpha School launched into an exciting project this month . They were introduced to Micheline Ouedraogo from Burkino Faso , a Frenchspeaking country in West Africa . Two years ago , Ouedraogo ’ s sisters , Wendyam and Wendkouni , started a school in the village of Tamssin . Previously , the children in the village didn ’ t have the opportunity to go to school due to the long distance from the nearest town . Having a new school in this remote and impoverished area brings great relief for the parents of that village and opportunity for the children .
So far , Micheline , Wendyam and Wendkouni have been able to open one classroom with 27 students , all in second grade , with the hope of adding an additional grade level each year . The school founders were looking for a way to develop a
connection between children across nations and experiences to help all involved grow , learn and offer hope to each other . The children of the Alpha School were ready to help .
Alpha teachers Mrs . Devore and Sister Diane Dunn launched the initiative in social studies class , and the students received a visit from Micheline who delivered photographs and biographies of the children in Tamssin .
“ We thought that it would be a wonderfully unique experience for our second grade here at Alpha to become pen pals with the children in that new school . We will be sending them pictures and telling them a little bit about ourselves ,” explains Devore . “ In addition , Micheline will be coming to our social studies class for a visit once in a while to teach us about her country . The children are very excited to begin this project and be able to learn about a culture and community that is very different from ours .”
This is a project that will grow and evolve over the coming months , encouraging children to think globally and learn from each other .
Providence Heights Alpha School is an independent , Catholic , co-educational school for grades pre-K through 8 , founded and sponsored by the Sisters of Divine Providence and located on the historic 40-acre campus in Allison Park . Since 1926 , Alpha School has educated children to be independent thinkers , imaginative problem solvers and caring , compassionate individuals .
VISIT THE GREEN GROCER !
Green Grocer is a mobile farmers market serving 11 neighborhoods throughout Allegheny County . It offers fresh , affordable produce options for the general public and accepts cash , cards , SNAP ( Food Stamps ) and FMNP or SFMNP checks . Green Grocer is located in Millvale every Tuesday afternoon from 4:30 to 5:30 p . m ., right by GAP Park .
ACOPA ’ S ANNUAL GALA GIVES INDIVIDUALS WITH AUTISM A CHANCE TO SHINE
With proceeds going toward “ the mission of being a lifeline for families and individuals affected by autism ,” Autism Connection of PA , located in Etna , recently hosted its 17th annual gala at Carnegie Music Hall in Oakland .
Jon Burnett , KDKA weather anchor , was the master of ceremonies for the fun evening that included libations , delicious cuisine and live entertainment by RML Jazz .
Aspinwall councilwoman Jennifer Evashavik was honored with the Temple Grandin Award for “ going above and beyond expectations to make a significant impact on Pennsylvania ’ s autism community .”
Photos and text by Kathy Rudolph
6 724.942.0940 TO ADVERTISE ❘ icmags . com