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
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