GTA8 MECA Houston Field Experience

One of the cultural holidays that is celebrated throughout areas of Mexico, Europe, Latin America, and the United States is Dia de Los Muertos (Day of the Dead). Dia de los Muertos is a time of remembrance of loved ones who have passed away. In Mexican culture, it is a time to celebrate the lives of cherished loved ones and is NOT considered gruesome, morbid, or scary, nor should it be compared to Halloween.

On October 23rd, GTA8 students will have the unique experience of visiting the Multicultural Education and Counseling through the Arts (MECA) of Houston to see authentic altars, called ofrendas, created by families of the Hispanic community in Houston to celebrate and honor their loved ones. GTA8 students will be taught the history and traditions of the Spanish-speaking world in order to broaden their understanding of other cultures and support the Spanish curriculum.

Upon returning from MECA, students will set up to build their own ofrendas as directed by Ms. Rincon and Ms. Lee. Additionally, they will create a conceptual project in groups based on their thinking and analysis of the ofrendas. For ELA, there will also be time for students to work on a creative writing assignment based on each student's memory of a unique or important item they viewed in one of the ofrendas. Additional class time for students to work on the learning challenges outlined above will be provided in the days following this trip.

It is imperative that permission slips are signed, returned, and accounted for ASAP!

Paper copies are being passed out in Spanish II on Tuesday 10/6.

They should be returned by Thursday 10/8.

If your child loses it or does not get one for some reason, a copy has been attached below.

If needed, you may complete it and submit it digitally to Ms. Rincon.

Maria.Rincon@fortbendisd.gov

The GTA8 Team is looking for 12 parent chaperones.

If you are available to chaperone, please sign up below.

NOTE: Parent volunteers must clear the FBISD Volunteer Background Check EACH NEW SCHOOL YEAR. If you have not done so, please complete the FBISD background check here:

FBISD Volunteer Background Check

Students should wear their GTA8 t-shirts. The t-shirts will be distributed this week!

Students should wear comfortable walking shoes or tennis shoes.

All clothing must be in accordance with the FBISD dress code.

Students should bring a SACK LUNCH.

Students must bring their Spanish Notebook.

Students should bring pencils/pens with which to write.

Students should bring ofrenda materials as directed by their Spanish teacher.

Students are expected to show dignified RESPECT while viewing the ofrendas at MECA. These are authentic ofrendas honoring the memories of cherished loved ones. The ofrendas are not to be touched nor should any comments about any aspect of any ofrenda be disparaging, impolite, or disrespectful.

We will be off campus from approximately 9:30 am to 1:30 pm. They will be participating in on-campus activities as part of this field experience before leaving and upon returning.

If your child takes private band or orchestra lessons,

please plan ahead and reschedule accordingly.

If your child has some other obligation, also please be sure he/she adjusts accordingly.

Since the Manifest the Change Kickoff on September 18th, students have had time during advisory each Monday and Tuesday to work with their groups to research, discuss, and begin to develop ideas for their Manifest the Change Advanced Product--a real world outreach initiative of their own design. Naturally, students often realize that $$$ can be a powerful tool when enacting change. At the same time, dealing with money complicates things quite a bit...

Now is the time to complete any late or missing work and

be sure any work due this week is completed on time with one's best effort!

Questions?

Joe Bernhart

Academy Coordinator

Gifted and Talented Academy

Quail Valley Middle School

joseph.bernhart@fortbendisd.gov

(281) 634-6687