Fifth Grade Classrooms Meet Virtually with Pen Pals from Italy

Fifth-grade students at BBH Intermediate School had the exciting opportunity to build connections and friendships across cultures while practicing their communication skills through a pen pal program organized by fifth-grade teacher Miss Gianna DiGeronimo. Since September 2025, students who receive ELA instruction with Miss DiGeronimo have corresponded with peers in Italy through handwritten letters, mailing three letters and receiving two letters in response. The pen pals attend schools in Bordano and Vezone, two small towns located in the Friuli-Venezia Giulia region of Northeastern Italy, and learn English under the instruction of teacher Michela Dorigo. BBH students in Block 1 corresponded with students in Bordano, while Block 2 students wrote letters to peers attending school in Venzone.

During their correspondence, students enjoyed the opportunity to learn more about their respective cultures and discuss assorted topics, including school events, hobbies, sports, and other activities. In addition to promoting cross-cultural engagement, the pen pal project integrated key state ELA learning standards, including collaborative discussion and communication, research, and informational writing, practicing language conventions such as proper grammar, punctuation, and spelling.

Fifth-grade students had the chance to meet virtually with their peer classmates via Zoom on Monday, May 18, 2026, during which each classroom performed a selection of songs and dances from their respective cultures. The pen pals performed “Bellomondo” and “Dimmi dove quando,” while BBH fifth graders sang “Country Road,” “YMCA,” and “Take Me Out to the Ball Game.” Miss DiGeronimo also shared a presentation spotlighting how Cleveland’s sports teams are a key part of the local culture in Northeast Ohio.  

Each classroom waved goodbye at the end of the call, capping off an unforgettable experience that helped to build cultural connections and friendships. A special thank you to Miss DiGeronimo for providing our BBHES fifth graders with a memorable and engaging classroom learning experience!