Mariam Kaba's ''Restoring the Village'' Project Brings Polar Express Adventure to Woonsocket Third Graders
On Saturday, December 14th, a full train comprising 175 third graders and their guests will embark on a magical journey aboard the Blackstone Valley Polar Express. Thanks to a unique collaboration between the Woonsocket Education Department, Blackstone Valley Tourism Council, Leadership Rhode Island, and the Papitto Opportunity Connection, this unforgettable experience was made possible by Mariam Kaba, the inaugural recipient of the Papitto Opportunity Connection's Transform RI Scholarship. Through her "Restoring the Village" project, one of Kaba’s hopes is to build pride in the Woonsocket community, enhancing children's connection to their hometown.
“My goal with my project is to continue to build a sense of community and belonging in Woonsocket. One way we’ve done this is to provide youth access to essential resources within the city without financial obstacles. This ride will enable children to enjoy the holiday season and create long-lasting memories, something all families should have access to.” says Kaba.
Aboard the Polar Express ride students will:
“My goal with my project is to continue to build a sense of community and belonging in Woonsocket. One way we’ve done this is to provide youth access to essential resources within the city without financial obstacles. This ride will enable children to enjoy the holiday season and create long-lasting memories, something all families should have access to.” says Kaba.
Aboard the Polar Express ride students will:
- Use their imagination with creative prompts and activities that allow them to see themselves as part of the magical Polar Express story.
- Cultivate a sense of pride and belonging in their community, empowering students to value their important roles as members of the Woonsocket community.
- See Woonsocket’s historic train depot come to life in an exciting way at this event.
Tickets for the Polar Express, which typically retail for $70-$110, have sold out quickly since becoming available at the beginning of summer, making it challenging for all Woonsocket residents to participate. However, this special opportunity provides an entire train exclusively for third-grade students in Woonsocket and their guests. A lottery was held to choose the 175 lucky third graders; the number of available spots at each school has been determined based on the percentage of third-grade students at each school. Each student will receive two tickets—one for themselves and one for an adult chaperone. These tickets are valid only for the ride on Saturday, December 14, at 1 PM.
To celebrate the joy and power of imagination, each Woonsocket Education Department elementary school hosted its own events for all third grade students leading up to the lottery, featuring seasonal activities and surprises such as a Polar Express Read Aloud featuring Woonsocket Superintendent Dr. McGee. Following the Polar Express Ride, students will reflect on their experience through a community art project facilitated by Woonsocket High School art teachers and peer mentors chosen to support the event.
For any questions regarding the lottery or the special Polar Express event, please contact your school's principal. For additional information about Mariam Kaba’s “Transform Rhode Island” Scholarship vision, reach out to Sam Bergbauer at sbergbauer@leadershipri.org.
To celebrate the joy and power of imagination, each Woonsocket Education Department elementary school hosted its own events for all third grade students leading up to the lottery, featuring seasonal activities and surprises such as a Polar Express Read Aloud featuring Woonsocket Superintendent Dr. McGee. Following the Polar Express Ride, students will reflect on their experience through a community art project facilitated by Woonsocket High School art teachers and peer mentors chosen to support the event.
For any questions regarding the lottery or the special Polar Express event, please contact your school's principal. For additional information about Mariam Kaba’s “Transform Rhode Island” Scholarship vision, reach out to Sam Bergbauer at sbergbauer@leadershipri.org.
