CPS Learns about Antarctic Life with Wharton Students

On Friday, February 5, Community Partnership School was proud to host two students from University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton Leadership Ventures Program. Part of the MBA Program, the class is a set of outdoor experiential leadership development opportunities for students. The Ventures afford Penn students the opportunity to engage in hands-on experiences for exploring and mastering the capabilities for effective individual and team leadership in business and beyond.

Students Bert O'Neal and Mimi Shih shared experiences from their recent expedition to Antarctica with our pre-k, kindergarten, 2nd grade and 4th grade students. Part of their presentation included a power point of photos featuring highlights of the trip. CPS students saw images of glaciers, penguins, sea lions and also images of where Bert and Mimi camped for a week with others students from Penn. Students were most excited to learn more about penguins and the many unique aspects of life for a penguin in Antarctica. Some disappointment came when students learned that polar bears only live in the North Pole.

Discussion with CPS students focused on how Bert and Mimi and other classmates stayed warm while living for a week in tents on the coldest continent of our world. Mimi and Bert modeled some of the special clothing that they wore 24/7 during their stay in Antarctica.

CPS students exercised their curiosity by asking many creative and provocative questions. The most provocative question of the day came from a 4th grader, who asked “how did penguins receive their name?” The guests challenged our 4th graders to become scientists so that they can learn more about the origin of the first penguin.

CPS students are looking forward to the return of other students from the Leadership Ventures Program.

Special thank you to Steve Binswanger, Penn student and grandson of Honorary CPS Board Member John Binswanger, for arranging for our special day.