British University Students Visit Sandy Springs Middle School

SANDY SPRINGS, GA — Sandy Springs Charter Middle School in September hosted 12 students from the University of Northampton in the United Kingdom. The university students are taking a course on human and civil rights, and chose to travel to Atlanta because of its deep civil rights history and cultural diversity.

They toured many historic sites in Atlanta and decided to visit Sandy Springs Charter Middle School to learn more about the public education system. Keynun Campbell, Sandy Springs Charter principal said "it was such an honor to host Dr. Kyffin Jones and his students.”

Students from the AVID, or Advancement Via Individual Determination, program at Sandy Springs Charter Middle School were selected to serve as student ambassadors. AVID is a college readiness program designed to help students advance the skills that are needed to be successful in college. It places special emphasis on developing writing, critical thinking, collaboration, organization and reading skills.

After learning about the benefits of the AVID program and how it helps students perform better in school, one University of Northampton student wished youngsters in her country had a program like AVID.

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"In our country, we are not exposed to collegiate experiences early enough,"the UK student added.

Sandy Springs student ambassadors were assigned a university student to escort to his or her classes. While visiting the classroom, the university students participated as a member of the class and observed daily classroom operations.

Near the end of the visit by the University of Northampton, the university students and SSCMS student ambassadors had the unique opportunity to engage in a conversation to compare the different countries and cultures. The university students were impressed with how well the middle school students collaborated in classes, their level of academic focus and the students’ engagement in the lessons.

Fiona Ortiz, an eight-grader at Sandy Springs Charter, was asked how she liked the experience of having a university student shadow her. Her response captured the feelings of many of our AVID students.

"It was the best day ever," she exclaimed.

In a short time, the students exchanged ideas and discovered that no matter where you live, we are more alike than we are different. The visit was a unique and engaging way for students to briefly learn about the college experience.

Image via Sandy Springs Charter Middle School