A Visit to the State Capitol
On Tuesday, March 9, 2010, fourth graders at Excell Academy were accompanied by their teachers, Ms. Griffith and Mr. Woodbury when they joined the Art teacher, Mrs. Dranchak to pay a visit to the State Capitol. The trip appeared very exciting to the students as they got totally involved in many sight seeing and experimental activities.
The assigned tour guides explained many words like 'symmetry', 'arch' and 'axis' to the tourists. The students learned a lot about the Capitol building but they ended up experiencing so much more. They sat in their governor’s meeting room, climbed all 3 levels of the capitol, sat in rooms where laws are made, looked for the letter ‘M’(which stands for Minnesota) on the walls and railings, and saw a lot of marble columns.
After the tour, the students saw the zoo mobile in the rotunda. One of the animal trainers had an owl out for show. All the 4th graders went in for a closer look. The news cameras were documenting their interest in the creature. That night the Excell Academy tour ended up on channel 5 news.
While looking at the owl, the Excell Academy visitors realized that a Minnesota Charter school Representative, Mike Nelson, came looking for them. The students took pictures with him and asked him questions about his job.
When they got back to school and reflected on the day, the students said that this was a field trip that every 4th grade class should go on... minus all the stair climbing! Ms. Griffith thinks they secretly liked the stairs! Overall, it was an experience of a lifetime.
Special Note: March 9 was also Charter School Advocacy Day in Minnesota. Many charter schools in the state of Minnesota, including Excell Academy, visited the capitol. They were granted the opportunity to meet with Minnesota State Legislators to advocate for charter schools and the financial needs of charter schools throughout the state.
You may click on the link below to view pictures taken during the trip.
