My name is Sylvia Hopkins and I am a 7th grade student at the Field School. I live in DC and love art. My father was raised in Egypt and has an Iraqi mother. Last year I attended Al-Bustan camp, and really enjoyed my time there. Now I am in the midst of an internship…
Students Creating, Learning, and Understanding Each Other
Yesterday, one of our students at Moffet School approached me in art class to ask how many more days of school are left until summer vacation. When I told her that when we get back from winter break there would be a little more than five months left of school, she pondered this for a…
Ten Days in Beirut with My Mother… and a Revolution Unfolds
Ten days to spend in Beirut with my mother – that was my plan as I boarded the plane in Philadelphia, with no agenda but to relax and enjoy her company and support her as she approaches the age of 93. Politics on My Mother’s Mind Upon arrival, as I sat with my mother to…
On the Table with Moffet School Parents
Growing up in Philly, once a month my parents would pile my brother and me into a car and drive us way outside the city to my grandparents’ house in the country. We would play with cousins, explore the outdoors, and of course stuff ourselves over a large home cooked meal. In a pretty chaotic…
My Fall Beginnings: New City and New Students
Fall has finally arrived and our school programs are well underway. This year, we are continuing our long-standing after-school programs at John Moffet Elementary School and beginning a new partnership with Juniata Park Academy. I, too, am a new to Al-Bustan and to Philadelphia, and have always felt that one of the best ways to…
