Thirty Breakthrough Miami fifth graders teamed up with 30 Ransom Everglades eighth graders on February 12 for the first ever Breakthrough on The Bay, a day to combine forces and learn about mangrove ecosystems, plastic pollution, and the marine ecology of Biscayne Bay.
This field experience serves as a culminating event for the Breakthrough Scholars as they have spent the year focused on environmental conservation during Super Saturday programming, conducting experiments, learning from industry experts, and generating public awareness in their communities. Traditionally these experiences are conducted by organizations like Blue Scholars and Miami Waterkeeper, but Ransom Everglades' rigorous sustainability curriculum allowed the two organizations to capitalize on their public-private partnership, creating lasting impact for both Breakthrough and Ransom Everglades students.
Starting with an introduction to the Breakthrough program, RE eighth graders learned how Breakthrough Miami gives highly motivated students with limited financial resources additional support, educational opportunities, and motivation to attend the top high schools in Miami. Then, Ransom Everglades students were paired with Breakthrough scholars and together they spent the day removing plastic pollution from mangrove ecosystems, and surveying the ocean creatures that frequent the shallow habitats of Biscayne Bay from RE boats. Their finds included baby seahorses, tiny box-shaped fish the size of a quarter (juvenile trunkfish), crabs, shrimp, a checkered pufferfish, and more!
The day was organized by eighth-grade parents Leni Sender, Tiffany Hurwitz and Danielle Holland, and RE faculty members Kelly Jackson, Brooke Gintert, Erica Bartos, Alexandra Gunner, Cameron Ferguson and Flavia Araripe. For more information about Breakthrough Miami, and for opportunities to volunteer and get involved, contact Breakthrough Miami's Director of Student Achievement/Senior Site Director for RE Webber Charles.
Founded in 1903, Ransom Everglades School is a coeducational, college preparatory day school for grades 6 - 12 located on two campuses in Coconut Grove, Florida. Ransom Everglades School produces graduates who "believe that they are in the world not so much for what they can get out of it as for what they can put into it." The school provides rigorous college preparation that promotes the student's sense of identity, community, personal integrity and values for a productive and satisfying life, and prepares the student to lead and to contribute to society.