Mahtomedi students in the College in the Schools (CIS) Spanish classes, taught by Ann Garry, Rob Garry, and Jenny Merthan, recently had the opportunity to visit the University of Minnesota for their annual field day experience. Upon arrival at Coffman Union, students were welcomed by the Department of Spanish & Portuguese Advising and Learning Abroad Center. Students then attended a Spanish presentation by Cadex Herrera, a multidisciplinary artist who brings awareness to humanitarian, social, and environmental injustices by championing his culture, history, people of color, immigrants, and marginalized peoples. Herrera spoke about the various mediums he uses in his art and explained many of his works, including Herrera's "First Person Plural," a mural installation that explores the stories and contributions of immigrants from around the world residing in and around White Bear Lake. The outdoor art installation is a Many Faces event hosted on the White Bear Center for the Arts campus.
Following the art presentation, students learned Latin dances from Professional Latin Dancers, Chini Yeniel Perez and Hanna Kuluvar Esparza! Students and staff had a great time dancing the bachata, salsa, and merengue!
Click here to see photos from the event and watch a video of the students' dance lesson!
The field day experience is a part of students’ CIS experience. It is designed to give students the opportunity to use skills and knowledge from their University-level course, interact with on-campus students and faculty, and explore resources at the University of Minnesota Twin Cities campus. Mahtomedi High School offers eight CIS concurrent enrollment course options. These free classes are taught in our school and offered through the University of Minnesota and Minnesota State University. Our high school teachers teach these classes and undergo a training and approval process. Successful completion results in both high school and college credits for students.