Mark Twain
Discover a summer of growth and exploration at Mark Twain Elementary School
Destination Details
Welcome to our vibrant World Market destination! Get to know the heart of our SCUSD community through these local school insights and program highlights.
Program Manager
Ms. Estefani & Mrs. Genesis – Your tour guide to the Mark Twain World Market.
Best Time to Visit
July 16th from 4pm-5pm for our Summer Matters showcase!
Destination Population
Over 100 K-5 students and their families participate in our Summer Matters program.
English, Spanish,Hmong,Mandarin Chinese, and Vietnamese – reflecting the rich diversity of Sacramento.
Languages Spoken
What to Expect
A Global World Market Showcase of the student's projects and activities they have done throughout summer!
Traveler's Choice
Mark Twain Elementary would be a traveler's choice because our students have used this time to discover, learn, connect, and celebrate. You can see their learning coming to life!
Student Creations
Explore student projects themed around World Markets, celebrating global diversity and the vibrant impact of our programs at Sacramento City Unified School District. From hand-crafted textiles, digital story telling, to artwork celebrating their culture, our students bring learning to life.
Traditional Weaving Pattern
Spice Trade Mapping Exercise
Clay Market Stall Sculptures
Staff, Students, & Family Reviews
Voices from our Summer Matters community: hear from the students, families, and staff on what their visit to this World Market Destination revealed.
★★★★★
Estefani, R
Program Manager, Mark Twain Elementary
Student Work
Week 1 (June 22nd-26th
What to expect:
Students embarked on their journey at Mark Twain Elementary, starting by getting to know the staff and building a foundation for the summer. Their first field trip focused on food literacy, where they made a delicious pasta dish from scratch. From there, students dove into an arts-and-crafts project, creating flags, practicing letter recognition, and building 3D models and boats. Throughout it all, students continued to build healthy relationships with their peers and staff, growing both socially and academically along the way.
Why this destination is a traveler’s choice:
Every great journey begins with the right destination, and Mark Twain Elementary delivers an experience travelers(students) won't forget. From day one, visitors are welcomed by warm, familiar faces as they get to know the staff and settle into their new surroundings. The adventures kick off with a hands-on food literacy excursion, where travelers roll up their sleeves and craft a delicious homemade pasta dish a tasty introduction to the flavor this destination has to offer. From there, the journey continues through vibrant arts and crafts:trail:designing flags, mastering letter recognition, and constructing 3D models and boats. Each stop adds a new skill and a new memory. But what truly earns this destination its Traveler's Choice status is the community. Travelers don't just visit; they belong. Throughout this journey, students continue building healthy, lasting relationships with their peers and staff, making Mark Twain Elementary a destination people want to return to again and again.
★★★★★
Aimee Vang
Teacher
Food
Week 3 (July 6th - July 10th)
What to expect:
Travelers get to pick, slice, grate, scoop, and cook up zucchinis from the garden!
Why this destination is a traveler’s choice:
Young learners get to experience meaningful hands-on reading, counting, measuring, turn taking, sharing, chemistry, and sustainability all while cooking up a delicious zucchini scone using the zucchini we grew in our own garden!
★★★★★
Mr. David Thompson
Program Staff, Hiram Johnson High
"Teaching leadership skills through summer learning has been incredibly rewarding. Seeing students step out of their comfort zones to lead community projects is exactly why Summer Matters exists."
★★★★★
Estefani, R
Program Manager, Mark Twain Elementary
Language
Week 2 (June 29th-July 3rd)
What to expect:
The students in Ms. Macias's kindergarten class have such a wonderful experience! One thing that stood out was how she introduces new vocabulary during circle time — for example, teaching the word "appearance" in a fun, age-appropriate way that helped the kids understand how to describe what things and people look like. She used pictures, gestures, and simple examples so even the youngest learners could grasp the concept.
Circle time itself was a highlight of the day. It's a cozy, welcoming part of the classroom routine where students gather together to sing, share, and learn new words like "appearance" in a relaxed, engaging setting. The students were excited to use the new word and talk about what they learned.
Why this destination is a traveler’s choice:
The circle time routine is the highlight of the day — structured, warm, and full of genuine appreciation for each student's participation
★★★★★
David Truong
Youth Specialist lll
Academics
Week 3 (July 6th - July 10th)
What to expect:
Ambassador read aloud that engage primary grade students addressing literacy gaps.
Why this destination is a traveler’s choice:
Student leadership in action we grew in our own garden!
★★★★★
The Wilson Family
Staff & Parents, Fern Bacon Middle
"As both staff members and parents in the district, we see the impact of these programs from every angle. The focus on wellness and social-emotional growth has made a huge difference for our children's confidence."
★★★★★
Estefani, R
Program Manager, Mark Twain Elementary
Sac State Challenge Center
Week 3 (July 6th-July 10th)
What to expect:
Our students had an amazing time on their field trip to the Sac State Challenge Center! This towering rock climbing wall was definitely the highlight of the day, giving students the chance to test their courage, build confidence, and try something completely new.
Why this destination is a traveler’s choice:
The Sac State Challenge Center is a top pick for school field trips because it offers students a hands-on adventure that builds confidence, courage, and teamwork in a safe, supervised environment. The towering rock climbing wall gives students the chance to push past their comfort zones while trained staff ensure every step is secure. It's the perfect blend of physical challenge, personal growth, and pure fun — making it a memorable experience that students talk about long after the trip is over.
Share Your Journey
We love hearing from our Summer Matters family! Please share a highlight or review of your visit to this world market destination.