Honoring Tradition: A Special Visit to Graland Fourth Graders
Graland fourth graders recently had the honor of hosting Ms. Carla Mestas, founder and executive director of CIRCLE (Connecting Inclusive Communities, Leading Education), and her son, Jacob. CIRCLE is a nonprofit that fosters youth leadership and promotes inclusivity by connecting diverse communities.
Ms. Mesta’s and Jacob’s visit complemented the students’ social studies curriculum, which explores Native American cultures, their use of natural resources, and how tribes adapted to their environments. This year, students focused on the Haudenosaunee Tribe, learning about various aspects of their culture, such as family, cultural norms, food, clothing, holidays, and symbols. The fourth graders also explored modern-day Native American life and studied the biographies of several Native American figures.
For several years, Ms. Mestas and Jacob have visited Graland to share their heritage and cultural traditions. During this special visit, they brought family heirlooms and artifacts, offering students a personal connection to the traditions students were studying. A highlight of the visit was when Ms. Mestas and Jacob wrapped each fourth grader in a wool blanket, sharing a message of peace, hope, and love—a powerful tradition from her ancestors.
The Grade 4 Team is grateful to Ms. Mestas and Jacob for sharing their stories and cultural traditions. It was an insightful and meaningful experience for the Grade 4 community.
Graland Country Day School
Graland Country Day School is a private school in Denver, Colorado, serving students in preschool, kindergarten, elementary, and middle school. Founded in Denver in 1927, Graland incorporates a rich, experiential learning approach in a traditional classroom setting, emphasizing the development of globally and socially conscious leaders who excel academically.
