The Diploma cohort at Shrub Oak International School recently embarked on a series of local trips to the nearby city of Peekskill, fostering new connections within the local community. These outings not only offered students the opportunity to engage with the local business scene in Peekskill, but also provided a refreshing change of environment from their daily campus routine.
Their first stop was the Bean Runner Cafe, a cozy spot known for its inviting atmosphere and warm beverages. Here, the students enjoyed casual social interactions over coffee, stepping outside the classroom setting to engage in conversations that further developed their social and communication skills. The relaxed environment of the cafe provided a perfect backdrop for the students to bond, share experiences, and expand their social circles. In particular, they valued the opportunity to talk in an unstructured setting, which enhanced their social learning outside of traditional academic contexts.
Following their visit to the cafe, the group headed to Bruised Apple Books, a beloved local bookstore. There, students browsed the shelves at their own pace, searching for books that piqued their individual interests. This experience allowed them to share their reading preferences with one another, creating an engaging dialogue about different genres, authors, and books they had never encountered before. The trip fostered both a love for literature and an appreciation for individual tastes, encouraging students to explore new interests and broaden their intellectual horizons.
For these students, the experience of exploring Peekskill’s vibrant small businesses was highly enriching. It offered them the chance to connect with their peers in a more relaxed, real-world setting, away from the structure of the classroom. By sharing their thoughts on books and enjoying the ambiance of the cafe, they were able to apply their learning in social, practical ways, developing skills that extend beyond academic achievement.
There are also exciting opportunities ahead. Bean Runner Cafe has offered to partner with Shrub Oak to organize future special events, which would focus on providing Career Development and Occupational Studies (CDOS) opportunities. This collaboration would allow students to gain practical experience in the workforce, developing skills necessary for their future careers. The possibility of ongoing events with the Bean Runner Cafe demonstrates the growing relationship between Shrub Oak students and the Peekskill community, and it underscores the school’s commitment to providing diverse learning opportunities in real-world contexts.
Looking ahead, Shrub Oak hopes to make these trips a regular occurrence. The positive reception from students has solidified the value of these community outings, not only as educational experiences but also as an opportunity to cultivate deeper social connections and practical skills. By regularly engaging with local businesses and fostering partnerships such as the one with Bean Runner Cafe, Shrub Oak continues to expand the scope of learning for its students, enriching their educational journeys both inside and outside the classroom.
