AMM’s 'Little Skipjacks' Program Grows

From Annapolis Maritime Museum: The “Little Skipjacks” program at the Annapolis Maritime Museum is expanding to reach more Annapolis-area Pre-K students thanks in part to the PNC “Grow up Great” Grant. The program, which for the last six years has brought educational experiences related to the Chesapeake Bay’s history and ecology to pre-Kindergarten classrooms in Annapolis, will grow to include initiatives at local YMCA Head Start centers.

The program’s activities are designed to give students an up-close and age-appropriate look at the bay that plays such a major role in the lifestyle of Annapolis. Activities include meeting an animal local to the oyster reefs, singing songs, and creating Chesapeake-themed artwork.

“When Maryland recently became the first state to require students to be environmentally literate in order to graduate, we knew that process must begin early for our children,” said Sarah Krizek, Education Director at the Annapolis Maritime Museum. “The expansion of our Little Skipjacks outreach will ensure that our youngest learners have a positive first experience with animals and nature.”

The program, which serves primarily Title 1 students, is named after traditional fishing boats used on Chesapeake Bay for oyster dredging. PNC has funded the program for the past three years.

“PNC recognizes the role kindergarten readiness plays in the wellbeing of local children, their families and ultimately, our economy,” said Jeffrey Glynn, PNC senior vice president and regional manager. “By preparing our youngest citizens for educational success, we help build a solid foundation for the future of Annapolis.”

The program currently reaches over 500 students through hour-long classroom instruction periods. The new program will feature a similar format, emphasizing hands-on and innovative lessons, and is expected to reach 200 additional students in its first year. Further expansion is expected next year.

“Most of our students lack the exposure to so many things that other children take for granted,” said Mary Cox, pre-kindergarten teacher at Georgetown East Elementary, whose students were recently visited by the AMM education team. “Please continue to keep this wonderful program running so more of our students in the future will be able to experience the fascination that my students did.”

Photos courtesy of Annapolis Maritime Museum