Jefferson Elementary Students Making A Few New (Virtual) Amigos

NEW ROCHELLE, NY — For many of us, the new normal in a world of coronavirus restrictions with its virtual meetings, a decided lack of personal interaction, few travel opportunities and almost no in-person gatherings can feel a bit isolating. The youngest students in the community are no exception, but one teacher at Jefferson Elementary in New Rochelle had a novel plan to turn those very challenges into a way to make the world a smaller and more intimate place.

Leaning on a well-practiced proficiency with virtual platforms, teacher Georgina Diaz-Luz connected with a classroom in an elementary school near Mexico City. Students and teachers from the Colegio Federico Froebel in Tlalnepantla de Baz chatted easily with the Jefferson students and developed a few new language skills in the process.

“We were able to make connections while the students in both schools gained cultural, social-emotional and academic growth,” Diaz-Luz said. “The students came to understand how we all have more things in common than differences.”

Students talked about their daily lives, what their schools were like and learned a few unexpected things about each other’s cultures. Fourth-grader Katie Sanchez was surprised to learn that there are pyramids in Mexico. She is eager to share a virtual classroom with her classmates in Mexico as soon as possible.

“I would like to meet them again,” Sanchez said.

Her teacher already has plans to make that happen. While students on both sides of the border had a great time meeting each other virtually, she noted that the educational value of the informal Zoom exchange program should not be underestimated.

“It was a really rich conversation,” Diaz-Luz said. “We definitely want to continue it.”