City Tour
In an effort to deepen the staff’s knowledge and understanding of the culture of the 36 students in the Voluntary Student Transfer (VST) Program, arrangements were made for the entire teaching staff to partner with their students and accompany them home on the bus at the conclusion of the school day. Ellisville Elementary's City Tour provided the teachers with a unique eye-opening opportunity to experience first-hand the length and discomfort of the bus ride, a view of the students’ homes and the communities in which they live and play, and the chance to meet parents who otherwise may not have come to school. Following the student drop-off, a debriefing session was conducted at Sweetie Pies, a local restaurant, where the staff sampled ethnic foods while reflecting upon their experience. Ultimately, the staff gained new insight into the culture of the VST students and a deeper understanding of their students’ home lives which not only helped to strengthen home/school communications but also provided background information for teachers as they strive to meet the academic, social and emotional needs of their students.