Cuba Excursion And Science Extravaganza Set Escuela Plus Apart

Some of the travelers excited to spend their Spring Break in Cuba.  Approximately fifteen additional travelers are not pictured.  Top (left to right): Monique Earl (Escuela parent), Flint Hinton, Dr. Sandra Roussell.  Bottom (left to right): Milan Earl, Blaze Hinton, Maya Bell, Elise Harris, Lola Jefferson, Sasha Jefferson.

Families from Escuela Plus, a progressive school (K through 6^thGrade) in Baldwin Hills, spent Spring Break in Havana, Cuba.  Escuela families visited museums, art galleries, Morro Castle, Old Havana, and the beach, and saw where author Ernest Hemingway lived and often spent time writing.  They also enjoyed delicious Cuban cuisine and the lively music for which the country is famous.  As they toured the city, they had the opportunity to marvel over automobiles from the 1950’s and stunning art deco architecture.

Brilliant young scientists who won Escuela Plus’ Science Fair, Science Fair Chair Dhaujee Kelly, and assistant Jasmine Johnson. Student winners are named in the article.

Escuela Plus was founded by Dr. Sandra Roussell, who was the founder and Head of School of Escuela de Montessori and Escuela Elementary Center.  Escuela Plus is a spin-off of those schools and is following in the stellar tradition of its predecessor.  A key part of that tradition has been annual international excursions.  In the past, Escuela families have traveled throughout Europe and to China.  When asked why Cuba for this year’s trip, Dr. Roussell said, “Why not?  Cuba is a major player in today’s global market.  Our students will be at an advantage having been exposed to Cuba’s culture, language, and people.”

 Congresswoman Karen Bass chats with students on Escuela’s Cuba trip.  Back (from left to right): Maya Bell, Congresswoman Bass, Milan Earl, Jaxton Jordan. Front: Arlington Jordan.

In addition to international travel, Escuela Plus sets itself apart academically from other elementary schools in the southern California.  Students are working at least a year to two years above California state standards.  The school held its first graduation in June 2017, and the graduates matriculated to some of the most desirable, academically-challenging middle schools in southern California, including the Archer School for Girls, Army and Navy Academy, Campbell Hall, Chadwick School, Geffen Academy at UCLA, and Immaculate Heart.

One of the activities that prepares them to excel at such institutions is the annual Science Fair.  This year, the Science Fair took place on March 22 and was chaired by Dhaujee Kelly, the upper school Science and Math teacher.  Students completed projects in biological, chemical, and physical science to test their knowledge.  All students, even the Kindergarten students, had an opportunity to develop public speaking and scientific research skills by participating in the fair.  Escuela’s winners in each category were:

Biology – 1^st-3^rdGrade 

1^stNia Guillemet – The Tasteless Tongue

2^ndGia Upshaw – Real vs. Gluten Free Brownies

3^rdRobert Ball – How to Make Geodes

Chemistry – 1^st-3^rdGrade 

1^stBlaze Hinton – How Thieves Reuse Your Checks

2^ndMilan Earl – What Makes Eggs Sink or Float?

3^rdSasha Jefferson – How to Make a Lava Lamp

Physical Science – 1^st-3^rdGrade

1^stMaya Bell – How Volcanoes Erupt

2^ndPhoenix Armstead – Potato Power

3^rdAngelo Sparrow – Tornado in a Bottle

Biology – 4^th-6^thGrade 

1^stJustin Pouncey – How Does Water Type Determine Plant Growth?

2^ndMichelle Oppong – Can You Absorb Your Medicine?

3^rdCaitlyn Oppong – Which Disinfectant Prohibits Bacteria Growth?

Chemistry – 4^th-6^thGrade 

1^stKevin Hall – Mentos Geysers

2^ndFlint Hinton – Secrets of the Homemade Lava Lamp: Revealed

3^rdGavin Frye – Which Solution Will Dissolve Skittles?

Physical Science – 4^th-6^thGrade

1^stAlexandria Campbell – Thermal Expansion of Water

2^ndLola Jefferson – Egg Shelter Structure

3^rdChristopher Anderson – Aluminum vs. Wood, Which Bat Yields the Best Hit?

Escuela’s faculty continues to push beyond conventional pedagogy and provide rigorous, rewarding experiences for students and their families.  The small private school at the top of the hill has already established its reputation as pioneers in primary education and whole-student Montessori method.

To learn more, including about the summer program, visit www.escuelapluselementary.com, or call (323) 903-6049.