There are three components to The Schooba Academy’s program. All students receive:
Private science tutoring
In-water SCUBA training
Ongoing field trip invitations
The field trips provide schoobents with ongoing opportunities to participate in exciting science/scuba related activities with a community of like-minded individuals. For the 7 week pilot, we have organized 3 expeditions: The Explorers Club (January 15), The NY Aquarium (February 12), and The Staten Island Ferry (March 5). Out of a need to provide good, clean, and affordable nourishment on these days, we have partnered with some totally awesome local food wizards.
Graham Fruits & Veggies, a.k.a. Sergio’s.
On Graham Ave., btwn Maujer and Scholes.
Graham Fruits & Vegetables ... Eat you some magic.
Tri-Color Restaurant & Pizzeria
Also on Graham Ave., and also btwn Maujer and Scholes.
Tri-Color Restaurant & Pizzeria ... Where delicious is their only name.
The first day for the Schoobents was an early one. We met promptly at 8:00 AM (most of us) and departed for the Explorers Club headquarters on the Upper East Side of Manhattan. Like true explorers, we took the subway.
Michelle reading on the way ... or hiding her face
We arrived at the club and were ushered to the Trophy Room, where the lecture would be held. With granola bars and Sierra Mist in hand, we began to take in our new surroundings. Were we really in the same room that Teddy Roosevelt held cabinet meetings and Sir Edmund Hillary talked about Everest? … We were certainly in the same room that a lion lay stuffed in and animals’ heads hung from the walls.
Lassana with his new friends
Rodney in the Trophy Room
Michelle and the lion
We stuffed our face with the free food (at least I did), and got ready for the lecture. Horseshoe crabs!!!
A friendly lecture with Dr. John Tanacredi, Dowling College Professor of Earth & Marine Sciences
More lecture
Hey, Dr. John, our boy Rodney's got a question for ya.
A tour of the club followed, and the kids let me take a Schooba marketing picture in front of a giant globe.
Michelle with a bunch of famous old dudes
Juan and Rolman checkin' out the artwork
Those flags have been to the moon, to the summit of Mt. Everest, to both poles, and beyond!
The Schoobents at the Explorers Club!
Lassana in front of the club
Then, it was back to Brooklyn for some pizza, beef patties (with cheese, pepperoni, and coco bread), and Schooba Academy cake!!
Picking the tunes
Pizzaaaaa!
Kids with the cake
Overall, it was a fantastic day. The kids got to experience something new, meet some super interesting people, and even learn a bit of science!! I’ll leave you with this short clip from the day:
Big shout out to Alyssa, Lissa, Rob and Mom for coming down (up?) and helping out.
January 15 marks the launching of our first pilot program. For our kickoff event, The Schooba Academy will be heading uptown to the illustrious Explorers Club for a Saturday morning of science with Dr. Chris Boyko. Check out the event page below:
Last night The Schooba Academy made its first ever appearance at the illustrious Explorer’s Club. Set amidst the quaint brownstones of the Upper East Side, the EC headquarters is a gathering place for some of the world’s greatest explorers. Among the club members’ many accomplishments are: first to the North Pole, first to the South Pole, first to the summit of Mt. Everest, first to the deepest point in the ocean, and first to the moon. Not extraordinary at the club, you might find your Average Joe sharing good cheese and conversation with a swashbuckler of world fame.
