Collaboration with the Friends School of Portland
This Spring, third and fourth grade students of the Friends School of Portland showcased their hard work and learning by making mason bee houses to raise money for Mano en Mano.
The project was a culmination of their study of the book, A Handful of Stars, by Cynthia Lloyd. A Handful of Stars, shares the fictional story of Lily and Salma who form a friendship while Salmas family is in eastern Maine for the blueberry harvest. In the novel their friendship is tested as they face tough truths about friendship, prejudice and belonging.
After reading Cynthia Lloyds' book, students were given the opportunity to explore their interests and research several topics related to the text including: mason bees, lowbush blueberries, migrant workers in Maine, and Mano en Mano. Students created informational posters to share what they learned with their peers, as well as made their own bee houses that were sold to raise money for Mano en Mano.
Migrant Education Program Regional Coordinator of South and Central Maine, Eva Valencia, visited the students at Love Lab Studio in Portland, and shared more information about Mano en Mano and this year's Blueberry Harvest School.
Watch this fantastic video that showcases their learning and meaningful project.
On behalf of all of us at Mano en Mano, we would like to express our appreciation and gratitude to the students and teachers of the Friends School of Portland.
Their curiosity and meaningful support help welcome new families and friends to Maine and support all of us to thrive.
