“Four days, seems like? …Yep. Exactly four days. That’s how long it takes to get over the initial excitement of free Greek yogurt and Raisin Bran.” -Chaperone X
Admittedly the energy in the Breakfast Nook (as it’s been affectionately dubbed by our little group) was noticeably more somber and viscous this morning. However, once they emerged into the sunlight of yet another amazing weather day here in NYC, every group got right to work, making day four an experience to remember. As with day two, today we split up to pursue different interviews, footage, and metropolitan explorations; as a result, this entry is another somewhat jagged collection of notes and photos from each group.
This evening, we regrouped at the Schoenfeld Theatre on 45th Street to experience the sparse but grippingly heartfelt musical Come From Away, inspired by the true story of 7,000 passengers whose planes were rerouted to the small town of Newfoundland on and after 9/11. Building on the connections they made yesterday at the monument, students came to understand an entirely different vantage point of the events during and after September 2001. Many students stayed a bit after the show to meet and get autographs from cast members.
Tomorrow morning, we’ll rise and shine for a predictable but appreciated breakfast, a quick boarding of the busses, and a tour of the Museum of the Moving Image… to be followed by a smooth, uneventful, nap-filled journey back to Maryland. Knock on wood, and do your homework (wait, that’s for a snow day).
Shameless plug and dateless ‘save-the-date’: If you think these summaries and photos are exciting, just you wait until New York Showcase next spring, when you’ll get to view all our finished film projects together!
Group One
(Niky Z, Abby Y, Amy L, Chrissy L, Daria M, Chloe C, Amelia C, Josie C, Olivia C, and Ms. Wal)
Amazing interview with David Stone, producer (The Diary of Anne Frank, Wicked, Man of La Mancha, Putnam Spelling Bee, and more)
Interview number three with Matt DiCarlo, production manager of the Broadway musical Beetlejuice!
Group Two
(Lexi E, Nora O, Rush M, Ting S, Angie C, Abigail H, Ashly P, Sathvick D, and Mr. Young)
Ranger interview and amazing private tour!
Group Three
(Ava Mi., Vero S, Erica M, McKenzie P, Ishani B, Monica C, Grace L, Louisa S, Julie K, and Ms. Nanninga)
Super amazing walking tour of the history of slavery in New York, tied in to the history of capitalism. Totally fascinating…
(image borrowed from online: https://www.nytimes.com/2017/02/24 /travel/new-york-city-underground-railroad-tour-slavery.html)
Group Four
(Alison C, Sana N, Aanika A, Soumya J, Justine B, Anna S, Geri P, Anusha K, Bella S, and Mr. Hudson)
Interview with author Katha Pollit in her home, discussing women’s rights.
Group Five
(Mahi G, Advika, Vismaya G, Emma K, Yalina A, Abhaya S, Nitya D, Trent W, William J, and Ms. Hershkowitz)
Today was our first day of using the Subway, and we learned a lot about problem solving and having a plan B (and C and D!) We found out there are several types of fare cards, and not all work in all situations. These tenacious kids made it work, however, and we had a great ride to Chinatown! We saw diverse architecture, a wide variety of family owned small businesses and stores and eclectic street performances. We enjoyed a delicious lunch and learned all about dim sum table-side service, dividing checks, and tipping.
After a morning spent immersed in the rich cultural experiences of Chinatown, we headed to the studios of New York Public Radio where we interviewed Mr. John Schaefer, host and producer on WNYC Radio. He was very impressed with the level of questions, and invited us back anytime we wanted to be a part of a show!
We snuck in some fun at M&M World and dinner out before being totally blown away at a performance of Come From Away.
We ended our evening with one last cafe dessert experience and reflected on what it means to be the last Clemente Humanities New York crew.
Group Six
(Ally J, Anna J, Sophia D, Sasha S, Liz R, Andrey C, Juan V, Ava Mu., Kenna G, and Ms. Orens)
Wow – what an amazing and adventurous day 4! Six subway rides, three interviews, a food truck lunch in Greenwich Village, ice cream at a small side street parlor and a fabulous play! These students continue to amaze me with their poise and positive reflections in all of our experiences. Great interview with Commanding Officer of Criminal Enterprise at NYPD Headquarters. The photo below is in the press room! All of my students were given NYPD hats as mementos. The NYPD was ready to hire them and our mental health interviewee called them “intelligent, passionate, and unbelievably put together.” What a wonderful experience!
Group Seven
(Ava N, Libby N, Snigdha G, Timnit R, Leo S, Zoe A, Eileen L, Sabrina S, and Mr. Brown)
Interview with Raphael Benavides Baccus, current owner/historian of Minton’s Playhouse.
“They made this one musician who wanted to play with them here try out first. Dizzy made him audition, to make sure he was good enough. Do you know who that musician was? …Charles Mingus!”
Group Eight
(Alanna Y, Jennifer Z, Emma Z, Jasmine L, Sandral B, Renee K, Zoe T, Isabel M, Sophia W, and Ms. Courtemanche)
Walking tour from our hotel to Koreatown, making our way to the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory in the Brown Building on NYU’s campus.
Walking food tour: Dō (a cookie dough place); Lombardi’s famous pizza, Nom Wah dim sum, where we interviewed the owner, Wilson Tang, then Eileen’s Cheesecake and the subway back home.
8 groups of kids, they must toured a lot and learned a lot these days. Cannot wait to see their documentaries. Enjoy today ,the last half day in NY city, have a nice safe trip home!
Sincere thanks to all the teachers !