WHAM 2024 Spring : simplebooklet.com

Dear Met Community, As spring unfolds around us, I am ﬁlled with gratitude and anticipation. This time of year is always a period of signiﬁcant growth and achievement at The Met, and this year is no exception. One of the highlights this spring was our school's inclusion in a prestigious video series produced by Education Reimagined. This series showcased innovative educational models across the country, and The Met was featured prominently as a beacon of learner-centered education. It was a proud moment for all of us, afﬁrming the hard work and dedication of our students, educators, and staff. This recognition serves as a reminder of the impact our unique approach to education has, not only within our own community but also as an inﬂuential model nationwide. As we enjoy the blossoming trees and longer days, we are also aware of how quickly the end of the school year approaches. It is a bustling time ﬁlled with projects, presentations, and preparations for the future. Our seniors, in particular, are nearing a signiﬁcant milestone—graduation. This year's graduation is not just a ceremony; it is a celebration of resilience, achievement, and the unwavering spirit of our students who have navigated the challenges of the last four years with grace and determination. Let us embrace the remaining weeks of this school year with the same passion and commitment that deﬁne our community. Whether in the advisory, through learning opportunities, or at school events, your involvement enriches our collective experience and strengthens our community. Thank you for your continued support and enthusiasm. Your engagement is vital to the ongoing success of our students and our school. I look forward to celebrating with you all as we close another remarkable school year and get ready to cheer on our graduates as they work towards their next great adventure. Warm regards, Nancy DiazDIRECTOR’S CORNERNANCY DIAZ, DIRECTOR OF SCHOOLS3

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Roots of Impact: Honoring Community Leaders on Earth DayEarth Day was a particularly memorable occasion for us at the East Bay Met, as we celebrated the outstanding contributions of two inﬂuential ﬁgures in Newport: Pauline Perkins-Moye and Charlie Plant. Pauline Perkins-Moye has long been a beacon of advocacy and leadership in Newport, particularly in the North End where our school is proudly situated. Her relentless pursuit of racial and economic justice has not only uplifted our community but has also set a powerful example of commitment and resilience for our students and staff. Charlie Plant, the founding principal of the East Bay MET School, profoundly shaped our educational philosophy. His innovative approach and strong belief in the potential of our youth have created an enriching environment where students are encouraged to explore and grow. Charlie’s legacy continues to inspire both educators and students at our school. During the Earth Day celebrations, not only were Pauline and Charlie honored by the planting of trees but the event was also graced by notable attendees, including the Mayor of Newport and Congressman Amo, along with other community members. This collective presence underscored the community-wide appreciation and respect for the honorees’ contributions. Earth Day resonates deeply within the Met community. Bella Quiroa, an East Bay Met Junior, shared her thoughts: “My passion for the environment started in my Sophomore year when I landed an internship at Clean Ocean Access. !Even the smallest actions can have enormous impacts, and it’s especially effective when we do it together…planting trees here today will mark the start of a more resilient community here in Newport.” The newly planted trees, symbolizing growth and renewal, were a ﬁtting tribute to the enduring impact of both leaders. The event provided a moment for reﬂection on how their efforts have fostered a more inclusive and vibrant community landscape.4

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ECLIPSE WATCH 2024: HOW THE MET SAFELY ENJOYED THE SOLAR SPECTACLE5On Monday, April 8th, the Met community gathered for a unique educational experience: the viewing of a solar eclipse. As the moon passed between the earth and the sun, students and staff experienced the rare and thrilling phenomenon of partial daytime darkness, uniting everyone in awe. The atmosphere was electric with anticipation. All participants were equipped with special eclipse glasses for safe viewing. As the eclipse reached its peak, there was a collective sense of wonder. The temperature dropped slightly, and the wind stilled, a stark reminder of the event's natural grandeur. The eclipse offered a perfect pause from the usual routine, a chance to witness one of nature's most fascinating displays. The eclipse was more than just an astronomical event; it was a moment of community bonding and intellectual curiosity being sparked. Students discussed their feelings and observations, some drawing parallels to what they've learned about the moon and the sun, while others marveled at the eclipse's beauty and rarity. Reﬂecting on the day, it was clear that the event had left an indelible mark on the students and staff of the Met. It was not only an opportunity to engage with science in a direct and meaningful way but also a reminder of the wonders our world has to offer.

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6Recently, Founders Hall was transformed into a buzzing arena of innovation as students from 9th to 12th grade participated in a 'Shark Tank' style business plan presentation. This dynamic event showcased our students' entrepreneurial spirit and offered them a unique platform to pitch their business ideas to a panel of outside professionals from Citizens and Santander Banks. The presentations covered a broad spectrum of business proposals, reﬂecting the ingenuity and passion of our students. From tech startups to social enterprises, each student demonstrated a deep understanding of their business concept, market potential, and strategic planning. The professionalism and energy with which these young entrepreneurs delivered their pitches was nothing short of inspiring. Feedback from the professionals at Citizens and Santander Banks was invaluable. Their expert critiques not only challenged the students to think critically about their business models but also provided constructive guidance that will undoubtedly aid in reﬁning their proposals. This real-world interaction is crucial as it prepares our students for the realities of the business world, enhancing their skills in communication, strategic thinking, and resilience. Special recognition is due to E-Center Director Jodie Woodruff and Program Managers Owen Cuseo and Brandon Lane for their organization of the event. Their dedication ensured that the presentations ran smoothly and that every student was prepared and supported throughout the process.PITCH PERFECT: MET STUDENTS THRIVE IN 'SHARK TANK' STYLE BUSINESS PLAN PRESENTATIONS

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JOAHLUIS MOLINA LAUNCHES INNOVATIVE CLEANUP BUSINESS TO REVITALIZE LOCAL NEIGHBORHOODSScan QR Code To Watch VideoJoahluis Molina is taking a bold step towards addressing the persistent issue of trash in urban neighborhoods. At the recent Shark Tank Event, Molina unveiled his plan to start a cleanup business aimed at combatting the problem of litter that plagues many communities. His initiative not only seeks to clean up the streets but also to change the negative perceptions associated with trash-laden areas. Molina’s business concept is rooted in the realization that improperly disposed of trash contributes to environmental degradation and fosters detrimental stereotypes about residents. During the event, he shared insights from local interviews that revealed widespread views linking litter with neglect and a lack of community pride. This has spurred Molina to take action beyond occasional cleanups; he is now committed to organizing systematic cleanup operations every Sunday, providing a consistent solution to an ongoing issue. Joahluis’ entrepreneurial spirit and dedication to social and environmental issues were evident as he pitched his business idea. His initiative represents a promising step towards fostering a cleaner, more welcoming community environment, challenging residents and local governments alike to invest in maintaining the beauty and health of their neighborhoods. His efforts received encouraging feedback and support from event attendees, reﬂecting a community ready to back innovative solutions to age-old problems. To contact Joaluis about his company's service call him at 646-847-8303

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In an exciting showcase of talent and collaboration, students from our Rayntham Channel program recently took the spotlight at the Home Show held at the Convention Center. This outstanding opportunity stemmed from the proactive involvement of our dedicated Met Board of Trustees member, Tony Lopes, who also serves on the RI CTE Board and actively seeks out opportunities for our students to apply their learning in real-world settings. Tony noted that the recent CTE Board meeting coincided with the Home Show and discovered that the event organizers were in need of skilled individuals to ﬁlm the show. Sensing a perfect match for our talented students, Tony recommended our program, paving the way for a fantastic learning experience. Our students' participation in the Home Show allowed them to demonstrate their burgeoning skills in a professional environment, capturing the dynamism and detail of the event through their lenses. This not only provided them with invaluable practical experience but also highlighted the strengths of the program to a broader audience. Special thanks are due to Jim Holden and Kim Reall, our Internship Partnership Coordinators, who played critical roles in scheduling and logistics, ensuring everything was perfectly aligned for our students to succeed. Additionally, we extend our gratitude to Mike from Rayntham Channel, who was present at the event to support and mentor our students throughout the ﬁlming process. We look forward to more such collaborations in the future and are proud to see our students excel and gain recognition in such public and impactful ways. Thank you to everyone involved for making this event a resounding success.MET STUDENTS TAKE ON THE HOME SHOW8

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At the Met, we continually seek innovative ways to engage our students in learning that extends beyond the digital screen. Cara Willi, from East Bay, has successfully secured a grant from the Rhode Island State Council on the Arts (RISCA) for a program at Clay Explorations. This initiative aims to reconnect students with hands-on, tactile experiences, emphasizing the importance of real-world interactions in our increasingly digital age. The Clay Explorations program is designed to draw students into the physical and creative world of clay artistry. It offers them a chance to dive hands-on into the process of shaping, molding, and creating with clay, providing a counterbalance to the virtual environments they often inhabit. This initiative is not just about art; it's about encouraging students to engage with the material world in a way that stimulates their creativity and develops their ﬁne motor skills and artistic expression. Cara’s creativity and commitment reﬂects the Met’s broader mission to provide diverse and impactful educational experiences. We look forward to the upcoming projects and creations that will emerge from the Clay Explorations program, conﬁdent that this initiative will leave a lasting impact on our students and community.HANDS-ON LEARNING: EXPLORING WITH CLAY 9

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This year marks the tenth anniversary of a remarkable tradition at the Met, where students engage in a life-changing service trip to Guatemala, a tradition spearheaded by then-student David Archila. David's initial venture as a senior project with Hope of Life International aimed to connect students with his familial roots and contribute positively to the community. Since its inception, the project has not only continued but ﬂourished thanks to the hard work of Met Special Educator Lynne Damiano, with David returning this year as a chaperone. Following his high school education, David joined the army in 2015, where he successfully completed air assault, airborne, and ranger schools by 2016. In 2021, David pursued his passion for helping others by enrolling in the Social Work program at Johnson & Wales University. He is set to graduate in June 2024 with a commendable GPA of 3.64, demonstrating his academic commitment and readiness to make a signiﬁcant impact in the ﬁeld of social work. Over the years, Met students have made the trip seven times, touching the lives of many and expanding its outreach with each visit. This year’s group, led by trip leader and translator Andrea, has been particularly outstanding, taking on an ambitious range of projects. These initiatives included medical support at local hospitals, entrepreneurship workshops in schools, and organizing a celebration for children in an orphanage. 10FROM STUDENT TO LEADER: THE EVOLUTION OF A SERVICE PROJECT IN GUATEMALA

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David, reﬂecting on his role as a chaperone, shared his feelings of anticipation and responsibility. “This journey wasn't just about exploring a new country; it was about serving others and forging meaningful connections,” he explained. His leadership helped guide the students through various challenges, ensuring both their safety and the success of their service projects. The impact of these trips on the students is profound. Engaging directly with the community, they develop invaluable skills like empathy and resilience. “Witnessing the students' transformation was truly inspiring,” David noted. The experiences gained during these trips often ignite a lifelong commitment to service and a deeper understanding of global cultures. The success of these trips is also a testament to the strong connections formed by the participants. This year, the group visited the home of David’s grandparents and dined with a local friend in Chiquimula, providing the students with a unique and personal glimpse into Guatemalan culture. The beauty of Antigua also left lasting impressions, enriching their overall experience. The Met remains deeply committed to this initiative, thankful for the opportunity to impact lives, both locally and abroad. Our school encourages anyone interested in supporting or participating in future trips to reach out, continuing to build on this decade-long legacy. As David aptly puts it, "Every moment was an opportunity for growth and learning." His hope, along with the school’s, is that this project continues to inspire more students to explore, understand, and contribute to the world around them.11

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We are thrilled to announce a fantastic achievement by several of our talented students at the recent Skills USA competition. Our MET community has always prided itself on nurturing the skills and ambitions of our students, and this year's results highlight the remarkable outcomes of their hard work and dedication. Congratulations to the following students who excelled in their respective categories: •Emmanuella Jonah (Lee/Justice) showcased her expertise in Computer Programming, navigating complex problems and demonstrating outstanding technical proﬁciency. •Sarai Diaz (Saraﬁne/Liberty) impressed the judges in Nail Care with her meticulous technique and creative ﬂair. •Lacie Brown (Holly/East Bay) and Bella Quiroa (Eleanor/East Bay) teamed up in Television and Video Production, producing captivating content that stood out for its clarity and creativity. •Nabou Thiam (Vency/Justice), Anthony Wilds (Toni/Unity), Clayton Tavares (Blake/Unity), and Leandro Sandoval (Blake/Unity) triumphed in Entrepreneurship, presenting their innovative business ideas with conﬁdence and strategic insight. These victories at Skills USA not only reﬂect the skills taught at the Met but also underscore our students' ability to apply these skills in competitive and real-world scenarios. Each participant's success is a testament to their personal commitment and the strong support of their advisors and mentors. A special thank you goes to Susan Lewis for her exceptional coordination and dedication in preparing our students for the competition. Susan's efforts to organize training, manage logistics, and ensure that all participants were competition-ready were crucial to our students' performance and overall experience. Once again, congratulations to all our students who participated in Skills USA. You have shown remarkable talent and resilience, and you embody the spirit of success we foster at the Met. Keep shining and setting new benchmarks in all your endeavors!CELEBRATING MET STUDENTS' TRIUMPH AT SKILLS USA12

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Shout out to The Met for submitting the most Transform RI Scholarship applications this year with 65 entries, more than last year! This achievement has secured $2,500 for our prom. Great work!Maria's advisory from Peace Street engaged in a practical lesson on healthy eating at the Sankofa kitchen, as part of the BP Living curriculum. You can ﬁnd out more about BP living at bpliving.org.

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The Met is honored to be featured in a groundbreaking video series produced by Education Reimagined. This series spotlights innovative educational environments across the United States, showcasing how schools can profoundly respect and cater to the individual needs and potentials of each student. The Met stands out as a prime example of this learner-centered approach, demonstrating that education can be much more than just academic instruction—it can be a transformative journey. Education Reimagined has recognized The Met as an exemplar that lights the way for the future of education. The series aims to inspire educators, policymakers, and communities nationwide to reimagine what public education can be—a system that truly transforms learners by recognizing and nurturing their distinct talents and aspirations. We encourage the entire Met community—students, parents, educators, and partners—to watch and share the video series. It’s an opportunity to see how our daily practices contribute to a larger movement towards transformative education. Let’s continue to lead by example and show what is possible when a school truly believes in the potential of its students. Thank you to all the educators, students, and staff whose dedication and hard work make productions like this possible. Together, we are not just reimagining education; we are actively building it every day at the Met High School.14INNOVATIVE EDUCATION IN FOCUS: MET SCHOOL FEATURED IN NATIONAL VIDEO SERIES

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HELP US FIND NEW STUDENTS & MENTORS It’s always recruitment season at the Met. We are always looking for new students. Share your stories of student success with your family, friends and neighbors. New students can get more information at - TheMetHighSchool.org/apply Mentors are so important to our school. Do you know professionals in the community who would make great Met mentors? Ask them to reach out to us on our website - TheMetHighSchool.org/mentorCAREER OPPORTUNITIES Met Bus Driver Met bus drivers provide transportation for high school students to internship sites, ﬁeld trips, and various school-related activities as well as transportation to and from school for some students; and ensures the vehicles are in safe operating condition. To Apply: Please send your cover letter, resume and 2-3 references to: Email: careers@metmail.org Apply online: https://www.schoolspring.com or https://www.indeed.com Mail: The Met School, 325 Public Street, Providence, RI 02905, ATTN: Careers @ the Met Visit https://www.themethighschool.org/careers/ for more opportunities 161NW 7771NW 777101010KEEP AN EYE OUT FOR OUR NEWEST BUS ON THE ROADS NOW!

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20401-752-2600 TheMetHighSchool.orgPublic Street Campus The Met Public Street 325 Public Street Providence, RI 02905 Peace Street Campus The Met Peace Street School 362 Dexter Street Providence, RI 02907 East Bay !– Paul Crowley Campus The Met East Bay School 115 Girard Avenue Newport, RI 02840 /metschool MetHighSchoolJonah is making a signiﬁcant impact with his community-focused video projects. His recent work brought him to the Statehouse. While ﬁlming, Jonah met Governor Dan McKee, who took a keen interest in his work. The Governor discussed the educational aspects of Jonah's project and its connection to The Met, highlighting the relevance of real-world learning. Scan here to watch one of Jonah’s Videos

WHAM 2024 Spring

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