The entire Ramona School playground was filled with interactive stations, showcasing a year of learning through Project Based Learning.
By Natalie Tee Gaither
Students at Ramona School wowed families during their annual Project Based Learning (PBL) Exhibition. The event featured student-led presentations, all centered around an exploration of the schoolwide essential question: How can we contribute to building and nurturing a strong, connected community?
Each grade level explored real-world topics and civic-minded inquiry. “Our PBL approach gives students the opportunity to think critically, collaborate, and connect their classroom learning to the world,” explained Principal Dr. Debbie Kotani. “This journey of learning showcases how our students are developing into thoughtful citizens who care deeply for communities. Most importantly, students are engaged, and their learning skills are more applicable and meaningful.”
Highlights included TK/kindergarten’s “Moo-ving Around the World,” which explored how people care for cows and how cows support communities. Students were inspired to organize a fundraiser to donate a cow to improve a family’s livelihood. “Through hands-on learning and real-world connections, our students developed empathy and a better understanding of how people and animals are interconnected,” said kindergarten teacher Ms. Sofia Vuong.
First graders tackled civic economics with “Alhambra Citizens, Big and Small…We All Belong!” Second and third graders explored themes of heroism and California Native history through projects like “Heroes of the Past & Present” and “Honoring the First Californians.” Fourth graders reflected on their identities and growth in “Becoming Ramona.”
Older grade levels took on timely issues such as sustainability, food history, and wellness. Fifth graders presented “Cafe Sustainability,” looking at how consumer habits affect the planet. Sixth graders encouraged healthy habits and emotional well-being through “Healthy Mind, Healthy Life,” while seventh graders focused on, “A Fork in the Road: Food’s Journey through Time.”
Eighth graders focused on leadership and small actions with big impact in “Lead With Vision, Inspire With Action.” One group was inspired by the high number of books discarded each year, while millions of Americans lack access to them, so they launched “Bookshelf Overflow” to raise awareness and increase access. Another group addressed the stigma surrounding mental health, aiming to support others through open, compassionate conversations. For one student, the topic felt especially personal and meaningful as it gave her the chance to help others “in their silent battles.”
Visitors were invited to tour student displays, interact with models and visuals, and listen as students presented their learning journeys. Many families expressed pride and admiration for the level of research, effort, and reflection evident in the student work. “This exhibition isn’t just about what our students have learned,” added Dr. Kotani. “It’s about who they are becoming and their potential to make a positive difference in the world.”
With thoughtful guidance from teachers and enthusiastic support from families, Ramona’s PBL Exhibition once again served as a powerful reminder of the value of curiosity, collaboration, and community.
