“Guinea pigs are fast and hard to catch!”

“Did you see the Sun Temple?”

“Do you know how to say ‘cool’ in Spanish?”

These were just a few of the excited observations and questions from Ginger McAdams's first-grade students as they wrapped up their three-week study of Peru. In the Knight-Dickson Library with Lower School Librarian Nancy Atwell, students read stories and conducted research, exploring Peru’s food, natural resources, and vibrant textiles. Then last week, they welcomed Upper School AP Spanish students from Gretchan Frederick’s class to join them for a cross-divisional learning experience.

As the first graders proudly shared fun facts about Peru with their senior buddies, the AP students expanded the discussion with insights into other Spanish-speaking countries they’ve studied throughout the year. This collaboration was especially significant for McAdams and Frederick, who — thanks to the Latin Fund and a World Affairs Council of Charlotte Scholar Award — traveled to Ollantaytambo, Peru, last summer with ten educators from across the country to immerse themselves in Peruvian and Incan culture.

“Cross-divisional work doesn’t have to be complicated,” Frederick said. “It’s really just about finding the small opportunities for our students to get to know each other and share what they’ve been learning.”

Kelly Willis, Director of Global Studies, concluded: “This collaboration exemplifies our faculty’s commitment to modeling both a global mindset and the attributes of the Latin Leader for students and colleagues. The curiosity, connections, and joy were contagious!”