Breton Downs Elementary

Diversity is more than a holiday to be celebrated in East Grand Rapids Public Schools. Each of our three elementary schools has incorporated diversity into the daily routine. Teachers carefully choose books that students can identify with and time is devoted to discussing differences in opinions and perspectives on a range of situations. Individuals are celebrated for their unique and special qualities that they bring to our student body. 

A Spanish curriculum has been developed for students in grades 1 through 5 and is considered a core academic area. Lessons take place in the classroom for 20 minutes 4 days per week.  Students are not only introduced to the Spanish language but also taught about the Latino culture. Each May, Mariachi bands roam the halls of our elementary schools delighting students with lively music and providing an opportunity to experience, on a small scale, another culture.

On November 26, 2007, State Representative Robert Dean spoke with
Mrs. Loyd's fifth grade students about his experiences growing up in a segregated Grand Rapids in the 1950's and 1960's. Hearing first hand from Rep. Dean made their study of the Civil Rights Movement come alive.
"It's one thing when you read it in a book; it's another when you hear about it from someone who was there," said Mrs. Loyd. Read the newspaper article. (Photo by Advance Newspapers Photographer, Erin Albanese)

This is the third year of collaboration between fifth grade students at Breton Downs and Hamilton Elementary in Grand Rapids. It's a great way to make new friends and learn about other cultures.

As a wrap up for the 2nd grade study of Native Americans, students had an opportunity
to participate in a pow-wow. Students explored and created Native American crafts, goods, and music. 

Quotes from students about the experience:
"I made a Y-stick at the pow-wow. I had a snack too. I had pop corn, fried bread,
also apple juice. I made a sand pick to graph and a piece of burlap. I put beads in it.
I thought it was extraordinary." 

"One day our class went to a pow-wow. On my first station I got to do something with
a stick. We put feathers on it and cloth. I had lots of fun."

During the week of March 17, Marimbaman David Hall delighted everyone at each of our elementary schools with his marimba music. He was informative, entertaining, engaging and, all in all, a great musician and performer! He played music from Mexico, Argentina, Germany, Gambia, Japan, and the USA. Some students had a chance to accompany him with instruments and students and teachers enjoyed dancing to the marimba tune of the Mexican Hat Dance. ¡ Olé !