Escuela Plus Elementary Ends Stellar Spring Semester with Science, Poetry, and Celebration

Source: Los Angeles Sentinel News Service - July 2, 2025

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1st Grade student Aliyah Piano with her Science Fair project, “Using Pinecones to Predict the Weather.” (Courtesy photo)

Escuela Plus Elementary wrapped up an exceptional Spring semester with a trio of memorable events that showcased students’ creativity, curiosity, and achievements: the annual Science Fair, the annual Poetry Contest, and the celebratory 5th Grade Graduation.

The school community, including parents, staff, and alumni, came together to honor what Head of School Dr. Sandra Roussell described as “a season of growth and excellence across every grade.”

The Science Fair, held in late March, featured innovative projects from 1st through 5th Grade students, with topics ranging from renewable energy to robotics. Students presented their experiments with confidence, answering questions from judges from the STEM community, including professionals in the fields of medicine, engineering, and education.

4th Grade student Gregory Perry with his Science Fair project, “The Smart Robot.” (Courtesy photo)

In April, Escuela Plus celebrated literacy and self-expression through its annual Poetry Contest, which drew enthusiastic participation from students across all grades (TK through 5th Grade). Winning poems reflected a range of themes including family, nature, and identity in both the humorous and serious categories.

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The judges, all esteemed educators at the elementary, high school, and collegiate level, were immensely impressed with the students’ performances. One judge commented, “Some of these students were as compelling as my high school seniors.”

TK through 1st Grade student participants in the Poetry Contest. (Courtesy photo)

The semester concluded on a high note with the 5th Grade Graduation ceremony on June 5, marking the graduates’ transition to middle school. Families gathered in the school hall to watch students receive their diplomas and special awards, deliver heartfelt speeches, and reflect on their elementary years.

The event included engaging musical and dance performances by the 4th and 5th Grade students, well-wishing remarks by some of last year’s graduates, and a slideshow celebrating memorable moments from the graduates’ years at Escuela Plus. The graduates were accepted to some of the most prestigious middle schools in the Los Angeles area, including Archer School for Girls, Campbell Hall, Crossroads School, Geffen Academy, Marlborough School, Westside Neighborhood School, and Wildwood School.

2nd through 5th Grade student participants in the Poetry Contest. (Courtesy photo)

“This has been one of our most dynamic and enriching semesters yet,” said Dr. Roussell. “Our students continue to inspire us with their passion for learning and their sense of community.”

Now in full swing, Escuela Plus’s Summer Sunsplash program is keeping that momentum going with hands-on learning, enrichment activities, and continued academic support. As Escuela Plus prepares for the Fall, it does so with pride in the accomplishments of its students and gratitude for the support of its dedicated educators and families.

For more information about Escuela Plus Elementary, visit www.escuelapluselementary.com.