This summer, two dedicated educators from Lincoln Middle School had a unique opportunity to travel to Cuba, creating lasting memories and strengthening bonds with the families of their students. Ellen Richardson, an English as a New Language (ELD) teacher, and her partner, Jason Stoltzfus, a 7th-grade math teacher, spent part of their summer visiting the family of one of their students, Martha Alpajon.
Martha, who is set to start 8th grade at Lincoln this fall, has been spending her summer vacation in Cuba with her grandparents. Originally from Cuba, Martha and her parents relocated to Lancaster a few years ago. The visit from her teachers was a significant event for both Martha and her family.
Upon arriving in Cuba, Ellen and Jason were warmly welcomed by Martha’s grandparents. The family went to great lengths to prepare a special meal for their guests, waking up at 6 a.m. to gather ingredients from various locations. Food scarcity is a challenge in Cuba, making the meal an even more generous and heartfelt gesture. Martha shared that her grandmother often prepares the same dishes for her, but never all at once in a single meal. This visit was not just a special occasion but a celebration of gratitude and connection.
The visit was a momentous occasion for Martha’s grandparents, who expressed their joy and disbelief at hosting guests from the United States for the first time. They were especially appreciative of Ellen’s efforts in teaching Martha English and were delighted to hear the teachers converse with Martha in English while also attempting to speak Spanish with them.
Reflecting on the experience, Ellen Richardson stated, “It was an honor and a privilege to visit Martha and her family in Cuba. Traveling to Cuba was a life-changing experience for us, and it gave us a deeper appreciation for who our students are and what they bring with them when they relocate to Lancaster. This experience has been a highlight of our careers.”
The School District of Lancaster is proud of the dedication shown by our teachers, exemplified by Ellen Richardson and Jason Stoltzfus. Their commitment to understanding and supporting their students extends beyond the classroom, fostering connections that enrich the lives of both educators and students.