This story is one in a series created in collaboration with the AASA Learning 2025 Alliance to celebrate the work of groundbreaking school districts in the Pittsburgh region. Kidsburgh will share these stories throughout 2023.
On a February morning, teacher Kimberly Piekarski left Shaler Area High School with two dozen students from the English Language Learners (ELL) program. On this field trip to nearby Millvale, they would get an up-close look at murals painted by artist Maxo Vanka in the 1930s.
For these teenagers, the visit had a significance beyond seeing impressive art or learning local history.
The murals focus on social justice and immigrant experiences, says Piekarski, “so it was inspiring for my students, who have their own experiences as immigrants in the country, to see that and reflect on what their experiences have been.”
The teens returned to…
