Pennsylvania Avenue School Pre-Kindergarten Celebrates Clothing Class Sessions with Fashion Show

ATLANTIC CITY—Inari Bowman owned the Pennsylvania Avenue School stage as soon as she stepped onto it.

Dressed in a black skirt, brown belt and white long-sleeve blouse, she walked with confidence, commanding the crowd of parents, teachers and staff in the school’s cafeteria to take notice. She strolled into the balloon arch, blew a kiss to the crowd and made her exit, stage left, into the arms of her proud father Ibn Bowman.

“It makes me feel great to see the kids do things like this,” said Ibn. “We should have a community center and do stuff like this all the time.”

When the Pre-kindergarten classes at Pennsylvania Avenue School complete a learning module, they usually hold a celebration that helps students connect what they learned in class to the real world.  On Friday, February 9, 2024, the school celebrated clothing with a fashion show. “For the last five weeks we have been learning about fashion,” said teacher Bryanna Primeau, who served as the show’s emcee. “We’ve been learning about clothing, how to make clothing, design clothing, who wears different kinds of clothing and how to wash clothing.”

The show was organized into categories that teachers focused on with the students. Brenda Goddard and her assistant Gloria Giraldo titled their segment “My Favorite Things.” Goddard explained that she wanted to help her class better understand themselves.

 “We are just trying to instill positivity in them and teach them to shine and believe in themselves so that as they go forward, they go forward strong,” said Goddard. Goddard’s room is filled with vibrant colors. On one portion of the wall, she has posted clothing from around the world. In another section, the designs that her students drew and colored are posted. 

 “I wanted them to learn to be themselves, to be proud to express themselves,” Goddard said.

Stephanie Green’s class focused on Community Helpers. Students dressed as police officers, firefighters, doctors, veterinarians, and even a social worker.

“Honoring those who help out the community is very important,” said Green. “And it honors those who make our community safe.”

The other categories were sleepwear, royalty and best dressed. Emari Palms wore a blue velvet three-piece suit with a black shirt and matching pocket square. He set off the outfit with a blue wool fedora that challenged anyone else to claim the best dressed title.

“He has his own particular sense of style,” said his mother, Therese McKinney. “He’s very particular.”  McKinney said she was glad the school is teaching fashion early.  “It will help him develop as he gets older,” McKinney said.

Shelley Williams, director of Early Childhood/Elementary Education, said that parent involvement helps make students more successful. “When you get the parents to interact, the kids are more engaged.”

The Pennsylvania Avenue School cafeteria was packed and every spot in the parking lot was full. Parents crowded the stage area to take pictures with their cell phones as they smiled and encouraged all of the children to do their best. “It’s good for parents to come out,” Williams said.

Pennsylvania Avenue School Vice Principal Erica Woody said she was pleased with the students’ effort. “I’m so proud of them,” Woody said. “And I’m proud to be a part of this school community. This turned out phenomenal.”

By Mark Tyler, District Communications Specialist

mtyler@acboe.org

(609) 343-7200 x5009