VISION

Festival

THE SOCRATES FESTIVAL

At The Socrates Festival, students showcase their original inventions for improving our world, and unveil their 3-panel interdisciplinary mural of the city's past, present and future celebrating the 250th anniversary of Alexandria. To inspire the children and teachers, Dr. Mary L. Radnofsky, President of The Socrates Institute (a non-profit educational corporation based in Alexandria), provided professional development and materials for an interdisciplinary educational program, "Vision and the Scientific Habit of Mind," during the past school year. Teachers from our sister cities of Helsingborg, Sweden and Caen, France participated in the program with Alexandria's own Patrick Henry Elementary School and St. Coletta School, to paint their own visions of the city as it has existed, as it is now, and as it might become someday.

THE "VISION" PROGRAM

The purpose of this program has been to encourage creative problem-solving and innovative thinking in schools by enhancing local business-school relationships and providing the materials, technology, and professional development needed for teachers and students to apply their learning.

This year's Vision program centered on the role of science and innovative thinking across classsroom subjects with help from teams of elementary school teachers, parents, businesses, community, older students and senior citizens. It provided an interdisciplinary Smithsonian Museum based program that effectively integrates diverse disciplines (Math, Art, Science, History, Language, and Music) through a central theme so as to help children better understand and address complex, real-life problems. Students have learned to enjoy the cognitively- challenging games which Life offers, regardless of their race, gender, creed, national origin, or handicapping condition.

PROGRAM PARTICIPANTS - 1999

Patrick Henry Elementary School,
Alexandria, VA
Principal: Dr. Lulu López
Teachers: Melinda Jones, Kim-Scott Miller, John Perlman, Beverly Vick
Students: 1st, 3rd, 4th, & 5th
Artistic/Mural Coordinator: Melissa Long

Ecole Ste. Marie, Caen, France
Director: M. Jean-Luc Bonissent
Teachers: Solange Escure, Patricia Regaud, Stephanie Gouget, M-Odile Fierville

Fredriksdalsskolan, Helsingborg, Sweden
Principal: Mr. Per Johnsson
Teachers: Heléne Lundström, Camilla Persson, Malin Sjöberg 

St. Coletta School, Alexandria, VA
Director: Ms. Sharon Raimo
Teachers: Pauline Bottrill, Jennifer Stroop, Liz Riddle
Students: all levels
Mural Coordinator: Brian Balderston

Ecole Bosnières, Caen, France
Director: M. Daniel Jean
Teachers: Catherine Rouillard, Nadine Tournier

Project Director:
Dr. Mary L. Radnofsky

Festival Assistants:
Mr. Matthew Henneman,
Dr. Guy Spielmann

Festival Exhibitors:
Alexandria-Caen Exchange Committee,
Computer Renaissance,
Landmark Mall,
Nations Bank,
Old Towne Chiropractic Services.

Thanks to the 1999 Contributors to The Socrates Institute:

 Friends

Alexandria-Caen Exchange Committee,
Col. David Lapan, USMC, chair

Alexandria Seaport Foundation,
Mr. Joe Youcha, President

Carpet One of Alexandria

Chick-Fil-A

The City of Caen, France

The City of Helsingborg, Sweden

Dollar Buys in the Foxchase Shopping Center

The Key Club from TC Williams High School

Mrs. Karen Master and
The Drama Department of TC Williams High School

Mr. Steve Nearman, Nearman Financial

Nuclear Regulatory Commission,
Mr. Mike Raddatz, Senior Project Manager

Mr. Peter Schildbach

Ogden Martin Systems

Mrs. Lillian Segrist

Mr. Bruce Ward

Sponsors

Computer Renaissance,
Dwight & Peggy Steen, owners

Home Depot,
Mr. Joe Donara, General Manager

Landmark Mall,
Mr. Rodney C. Renner, General Manager

Old Towne Chiropractic Services,
Dr. Karen DeYoung & Dr. Jeffrey Brown

Pearl Art Supply,
Mr. Terrence Burnett, Manager

Patrons

NationsBank (now Bank of America)

and our generous, anonymous donor

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