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Regional Multicultural Magnet School’s values of diversity and global
citizenship will come to life through a new photo exhibit set for unveiling on Wednesday, Feb. 13.
Inspired by the school’s near completion of becoming an accredited
International Baccalaureate (IB) Primary Years Program, “Profiles in Learning”
presents a series of student portraits and interviews, shot through the lens of
professional photographer Kelley Norcia. The vivid photos highlight the
individual stories and experiences of each learner, with an emphasis on the
international themes and cooperation that are key to the Regional Multicultural
Magnet School (RMMS) curriculum.
English language teacher and bilingual specialist Sue Goldstein
collaborated with Norcia to create the new exhibit. It will be unveiled to the
public at RMMS on Wednesday, Feb. 13, at 5:30 p.m.
“Profiles in Learning” comes at an exciting time for RMMS. The
school has been an IB candidate school for several years as it undergoes
rigorous self-assessment and curriculum revision to meet the criteria for official
status as a K-5 Primary Years Program (PYP). Evaluators will visit the school
in late February to make an assessment and could grant full IB recognition in
the spring. If successful, RMMS would be the only elementary school in the
region to earn IB status.
Lynne Ramage, IB coordinator at RMMS, said that the students in
the exhibit embody the ideals of an IB world school, which seeks to create
“inquiring, knowledgeable, and caring young people.”
“Since its founding, RMMS has believed that our students'
actions can make the world a better place,” Ramage said. “As an
International Baccalaureate Candidate School, we now use the attributes of the
learner profile to fulfill our mission of creating positive change in local and
global communities.”
Principal Dr. Sue Iwanicki is pleased to bring
the exhibit to RMMS and is proud of the students involved.
“This exhibit demonstrates the students’ understanding of the 10
Learner Profile Attributes that IB defines as needed for global citizenship,”
Iwanicki said. “We are inspired by our students understanding of how their
actions make difference.”
Norcia and Goldstein teamed last year on the predecessor to
“Profiles in Learning.” The collection called “Beauty in Diversity” has hung in
the school lobby for the last year and is also on display at LEARN headquarters
in Old Lyme. LEARN is the Regional Educational Service Center that runs RMMS
and six other magnet schools throughout the state, including five in New London
County.
RMMS is located at One Bulkeley Place in New London. It is the
oldest magnet elementary school in the country, with more than a quarter century
of educating children. RMMS accepts students from throughout southeastern
Connecticut to learn in a diverse and nurturing environment.
The school is accepting applications for the 2019-20 academic
year. Interested parents can apply at www.rmms.k12.ct.us. The application deadline is March 31.
