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Expanding Horizons

Philosophy

Students who have not, in some cases, traveled outside their city boundaries gain an expanded awareness of the world around them and the opportunities that exist by participating in a variety of liberal arts, cultural and professional experiences in our Expanding Horizons programs.

Program Highlights

Character Counts

Character Counts presented two sessions for sixth and seventh grade students at Barbara Jordan Elementary. The sessions focused around valuing self, character, saying no, attracting quality friends, decision making and bullying.

Spirit of Shackleton

Mr. Shackleton came to Barbara Jordan to present Spirit of Shackleton. On the first day, Mr. Shackleton showed the IMAX presentation of Ernest Shackleton’s adventure to Antarctica. On day two he had a question and answer time for older students which included a discussion of the principles of leadership.

Architectural Engineering

Larry Raymond, member of the Birmingham Optimist Group offered an architectural program to the fourth graders at Barbara Jordan Elementary. The program involved a brief overview of architectural principles, research of animal habitats and building an animal habitat with K’Nex and household items while utilizing the principles of architecture.

Eyeglasses Fieldtrip

The school social workers identified 14 students that were in need of glasses. Beyond Basics funded the students to visit the Pearl Vision building where the students received eye examinations and glasses if necessary.

Imagineers

Beyond Basics and the Birmingham Optimist Club partnered to sponsor two teams from Barbara Jordan’s fifth grade class and one team from Thirkell’s fifth grade class at the Macomb County Imagineers competition on March 1, 2008. This program exposed children to engineering concepts and gave them an opportunity to use teamwork to solve a problem.

Warm Drive

Orlans Financial participated in a warm drive for the students of Barbara Jordan. They collected hats, gloves, mittens, blankets and socks for needy students at Barbara Jordan. Beyond Basics distributed the items to the students as needed.

Physician Assistants Presentations

Physician Assistant students developed age appropriate health and hygiene curriculum for the students at Barbara Jordan. The students came and presented to the entire school.

International Academy Partnerships

International Academy has played a vital role in the partnership with Beyond Basics this year. They have had multiple groups of students come to Barbara Jordan to read and write with the children. International Academy also held a book drive where over 2000 books were donated to Beyond Basics.

Duke Alumni

The Duke Alumni have partnered with Beyond Basics to provide support to numerous programs. The alums have participated as volunteers in our Publishing Centers as well as our Reading Buddies programs. Additionally, they have participated is a variety of fundraising activities for Beyond Basics.

Science and Literature Presentations

The University of Michigan-Dearborn’s School of Education partnered with Beyond Basics to bring literature-based science lessons to Thirkell students. The lessons integrated hands-on activities and engaged the students and their teachers. Ms. Lynch, upper elementary science teacher says, “The activities (gave) me new ideas for presenting these (science) concepts to my students in the future.”

Cranbrook ArtWords

Students are exposed to a variety of pieces at the Cranbrook Art Museum and, with the help of volunteers, write stories inspired by the art.

Spirit of Giving Holiday Card Contest

Students were challenged to illustrate their ideas on “The Spirit of Giving.” The winner of this competition was chosen by over 1500 Daimler Financial Services employees world-wide. The winning student’s picture was featured on the Daimler Financial Services holiday card.

Art Tours

The art pieces of students who participated in the Art With the Masters program are displayed throughout the school. Teachers sign up their classes up for student-led tours of these pieces. The student tour guide presents the different art pieces that is displayed and their experiences in Art with the Masters.

Macro Connect, Inc. Mentorship Program

Even in elementary school, students show aspiration towards professions. All they need is a concrete experience at their young ages to motivate them to realize those aspirations. Connecting a young person to a professional through this program allows for that.

Celebration of Writers

Published authors in the Publishing Center are celebrated in a fun and unique way. Students are invited to do a reading of their own stories with their peers. During this event, students are introduced to local adult author, enjoy forms of expression like singing and dance and enjoy refreshments.

Library Orientation

The Detroit Public Library has wonderful opportunities available to our students including free museum visits and summer camps. The Children’s Literature coordinator visits classes and engages them in reading and experiencing the library. We then run a library card registration drive.

Everest Academy

Students from Everest Academy in Clarkston come out to our schools and work with our lower elementary school students to write personal stories. They interview each other and read books together. This mentorship opportunity impacts students in both schools. One Everest Academy student said, “I never knew what to expect, but that was really fun.”