By Mireya Inga
Peregrine Elementary School is proud to announce the winners of its annual scholarship program. The three scholarship recipients have shown a commitment to learn science, the arts, humanities, environmentalism, and social responsibility in the Peregrine community. Applicants submitted entries using a variety of media, including videos and written essays. The recipients demonstrated a unique passion for learning and substantial academic promise.
Naomi Kumar, and incoming 6th grader, expressed a particular interest in the project-based learning approach at Peregrine School. “I want to do projects because I think they are very fun. Whenever we do science projects our science teacher lets us write questions for us to answer. I always feel very proud when I answer one of them because I found it out by myself.” She feels particularly suited to Peregrine School because, in her words, “In kindergarten my teacher called me the project lady.” Although Naomi has not yet attended Peregrine School, she says “Last summer I went to three Peregrine camps and I loved them all. Even though I have never gone to this school I feel a strong connection to it.”
Sarah Novick, a current student in Grade 3, wants to continue at Peregrine because, she gets more attention from the teachers and the chance to learn at her own pace. “I really like how Peregrine teaches,” she says. “It is a good way to learn…work[ing] on fun projects.” Asked what she can continue to contribute to the Pergerine community, she answers, “I can contribute love and compassion…I can also contribute kindness, trust, laughter, trying new things, and sweetness.”
Clarissa Damesyn, an incoming student in Grade 6, says she “love[s] answering the question just with my mind and no electronic device.” She wants to be a role model for kids that need help and wants to teach other students “how to get their curiosity out.” Passionate about world news and geography, she wants to start discussions about “what’s going on in the world all around us, and how we can help in the school and the community to help those in need.”
Four scholarships were offered for the 2016-17 academic year; one position is still unfilled. Scholarships provide a 50% discount on tuition. Students interested in attending Peregrine School are encouraged to apply for the remaining spot. Applications are due by June 27th, 2016. Scholarship information can be found at www.peregrineschool.org.
Peregrine School is an independent school that builds children’s capacity to learn, think and act in our ever-changing world. Located in Davis, California, Peregrine serves children from preschool through the 6th grade, drawing students from throughout the Sacramento Valley. Peregrine School educates the whole child, incorporating the latest research on teaching and learning into a child-centered curriculum that integrates hands-on scientific inquiry, critical thinking, wellness and the arts. At Peregrine School, we believe that the purpose of education is not so much to impart knowledge, but to build children’s lifelong capacity to learn. Peregrine prepares children to be the citizens of the future: collaborative, curious, creative, and possessed of the self-motivation that will allow them to thrive throughout life.
