Bolles Lower School Ponte Vedra Beach Campus Grade 5 Teachers Kaki Movsovitz and Jeni Strain recently traveled domestically and abroad for their Ottenstroer Fellowship called “Pathways to Peace.” In addition to touring the United Nations in New York City, the pair visited sites and attractions that represent peace, compassion and unity in Ireland and Switzerland, two countries that rank in the top 10 of the most peaceful countries in the world.

Movsovitz and Strain believe it is important to incorporate peaceful resolution strategies, problem solving skills and compassion in Grade 5. They plan to integrate their experiences and independent research into their social studies and reading curricula as well as enrich their students’ participation in the annual World Peace Game – an initiative in which Grade 5 students work collaboratively to solve mock international crises and human rights conflicts.

The Ottenstroer Fellowships identify and reward excellence in teaching at Bolles by providing opportunities for professional growth among faculty. Funded by a grant from Duane and Sue Ottenstroer, the fellowships are awarded annually to members of the Bolles faculty who have had a significant impact on the learning process and have a plan for future improvement. Interested candidates prepare an application describing a project to be funded by the fellowship, usually for summer study or research. Ottenstroer Fellowships are available to teachers at every grade level, and the recipients are chosen each spring by an administrative selection committee.