WHEN IN ROME

Mr. Trang, our physics teacher, loves to travel—and this year he proposed to combine his physics lessons with a field study to one of his favorite places: Rome! First trimester physics classes studied the architecture of domes and arches to prepare for this trip that will take place during spring break in March. The PAST Foundation joined in to help him make the field study as educational as it will be fun. Only 12 students could be accommodated, so Mr. Trang accepted applications from interested students.

The winners were chosen based on how well they completed the application and required essay. I thought this was a good idea since our students are admitted to Metro strictly by lottery and tend to forget that not everything comes to them simply by good fortune. In life, you have to work hard for what you want and the students who were chosen are still working for this one. We’ve had daily bake sales and a 50/50 raffle and other fund raising activities to help cover the costs to their families.

On December 18, the “Rome Kids” hosted a talent show at Metro. All students were eligible to participate, and ticket proceeds went into the Rome Fund. Talent show entries included comic karaoke, vocalists, dancers, and musicians. My favorite was an a capella rendition of “Silent Night” by second-year student Laura, who is home recuperating from a serious car accident. The “Rome Kids” had recorded it the previous day at her house because she had intended to be in the show before her accident and they didn’t want her to be left out. There wasn’t a dry eye in the house during that song!

The students who will be taking the trip to Italy will be preparing in the next few months. They will be divided into teams of two and each will be given a specific day to plan for the whole group. For instance, a team will research the Sistine Chapel and act as tour guides as they share what they have learned. The primary focus will be on Roman architecture and ancient art restoration. They plan to create a Web site of their travels and discoveries, and I’ll arrange to have them come share their photos and experiences with us at Battelle later in the year.