Donzell teaches grades 9-12 at School for Classics High School in East New York, Brooklyn, and has partnered with the Anne Frank Center USA for the past six years. Over that time, he has brought both of AFC USA’s school residencies, From Bystander to Ally and Art of Self-Discovery, into his classroom, and has seen them leave a lasting impact on his students.
What does it mean to you to be able to expose your students to the Art of Self-Discovery and From Bystander to Ally at your school?
The From Bystander to Ally residency was a vital component for our school. At the time of the residency, our history classes were covering World War II. The students were able to make connections between lessons and class. The workshop was also an important precursor to our implementation of our peer mediation program. Many of the students involved in the residency were inspired and later became peer mediators.
The Art of Self-Discovery residency was well-received by the students. The project-based approach kept the students fully engaged with clear lessons and outcomes. Students were proud of their work and excited to take their journals home at the end of the residency. Again, they were able to make connections with other classes and speak about their understanding of the Holocaust and what they learned about Anne Frank’s experience from a more reflective plan in comparison to years past.
How have your students been impacted by our program? How does the residency complement what they are already doing in the classroom?
The residences have inspired students to be more proactive in building a better school community by joining peer mediation. Students are also showing a better understanding of WWII and the Holocaust in other classes.
Any other info you feel might be interesting?
I was really shocked by how the Art of Self-Discovery residency really got the kids to open up so fast. They were listening, talking, creating, sharing, and connecting with the material and projects very smoothly. The teaching artists have also been exceptional. They are easy to work with and connect with the students extremely well. I enjoy having AFC in my classroom.
For more information on our in-school residencies, visit Workshops – Anne Frank Center USA.
