Dr. Mirtha Aldave is a Multilingual Specialist at Hartford Public High School. Below she shares her Fund For Teachers/HPHS Academic Adventures from this summer. She states, "It was an honor to represent FFT and HPS. It was a learning experience, and planted the seed of friendships with my host families and had fun with my students at a distance. My HPHS students collaborated in the research process prior to my departure (below) and were included in groups as I visited their country. There is much I have to implement and share with my ML students; collaborating with parents and community, plus programs to establish, and continue my partnership with FFT." You can learn more about how she will apply her expereince to her classrooms by reading her FFT Passport here.

Ready to face the FFT Academic Investigation challenge. First stop, Dominican Republic. Traveling in style with my host family to Playa del Pato. Eating home cooked Dominican cuisine thanks to the matriarch of the family. Delissssshhhhhh!! #1 riding in style with my host.

Meeting another fellow while in Guatemala City and making connections. Small but magical country. I danced on the "chicken bus" and at the San Juan's Festival. Truly loved the cultural experience (music, food, art, history, etc.)

Attachment #2 handmade tortillas and more tortillas. #3 & 6 Meeting Melvin’s (an incoming 11th grader, undocumented & unaccompanied minor) mother & family after a long 6 hour treacherous journey (multiple buses, taxi, water taxi and tons of walking). Accidentally, met one of Melvin's neighbors on one of the many buses it took to get to his hometown of Chalatenango. It was the highlight of the trip. Melvin was guiding us both via FaceTime until we met. It was emotional for the 3 of us. Heartwarming and heartbreaking to say the least.  #4 students in a town with a population of approximately 1,000. Many spoke English due to their amazing teacher.

Pic 1 meeting host for the 1st time at the airport

Remaining pics, visiting different schools. Spending time with mayor, “regidora” of education, students, teachers & admin (gifting her a HPHS drawstring backpack). 

Mexico was a spectacular cultural experience. The most AMAZING Anthropology Museum I have ever visited.  #6 excited about visiting the Sun and Moon Pyramids.

The Chamula Community in Chiapas was warm and most welcoming. Eduardo (last pic) is a true leader in his school. Teacher team collaboration is an understatement. Female 1st grade teacher is also covering a 6th grade class for a colleague who is out long term. She is on my left where we’re all jumping for joy because another academic year has been successfully completed. My host families were fabulous people who not only opened their home but their hearts too.

Visiting the town of Chiquian in the mountainous region of Ancash in Peru. The majestic Huayhuash Mountains were impressive. Appreciating the beauty our world has to offer. Kids are kids no matter what country they're from. #5 A student Behavior Brigade is selected in each class to help with behavioral issues.

Attachment #4 - Ice-cream with cheese? It was a first for me, but it was tasty. Touring a country facing severe political challenges. A presidential candidate was assassinated during my time there. Devastating and crushing the hopes of positive change for many. Meeting with admin and a teacher who shared their curriculum.

Meeting people from around the world and instantly becoming friends. It was an honor to meet a young 31-year-old neurosurgeon and her father who invited me to join them on an all-day excursion to hike to Lake Guatavita #3 and dinner at the famous Andres Carne de Rez #2. What??? An upside-down house #4. And the only underground cathedral in the world, Catedral de Sal #5 in a salt mine.

 Voila!!! And just like that here I am starting another academic year 2023-24 with a spectacular group of HPHS educators. It is a blessing and honor to work with you.

 Finally, 2 months and 3days later... There's no place like home, HPS.