Sant Bani School Projects on Display at the Sanbornton Public Library: “Lessons Outside the Classroom”

Independent work marking the end of Sant Bani School’s off-campus Projects Period will be on display at the Sanbornton Public Library until April 1. Projects Period provides an alternative educational experience for students at Sanbornton’s independent kindergarten through twelfth grade school. The wide variety of project topics includes art or photography; making models of various kinds; science; computer; movie-making; dance; sewing; crafts; music; construction or painting; family vacations and travels; research, report, and display; cabinetry; visiting and working at various types of institutions; and working with animals.

Projects Period provides students with an opportunity to expand their learning in new directions. For example, senior Ethan McQueen built a magnetic levitator and junior Max Duncanson learned how to weld and made both fanciful sculptures and practical objects. Younger students built birdhouses, sewed cat toys, learned to whittle, and made yummy desserts. Some explored Mayan ruins, made sushi and learned to bake bread. Although the students choose and design their projects, there are two requirements that they must meet. Sometime from grades 7 to 12 they must do a career-oriented project; and in their high school years, they must do at least one service project. Career projects often take the form of shadowing a relative, experiencing the daily routine of the job and interviewing about qualifications, compensation, etc. Senior Saran Savane, a student from Ivory Coast, volunteered at the Institute for Justice and Democracy in Haiti, whose mission it is to work with the people of Haiti in their non-violent struggle for the consolidation of constitutional democracy, justice and human rights. Sophomore Colby Clark worked on a sheep farm in Ohio, shadowing and assisting an experienced farmer. This is just a taste of the projects that were completed this year. One parent mentioned that he looks forward to Projects Period as an opportunity for the whole family to get involved in learning or service projects that they would not normally think of doing.

Librarian Cab Vinton is pleased that the library’s upstairs is being used to showcase the work of Sanbornton students. The space has recently become home to the adult collection as part of the shuffle to maximize use of the new addition. This valued new space has multiple town-wide uses, such as hosting book club meetings and public hearings. All are invited to view the Sant Bani School projects and check out this valuable community space.