Special Area Teachers

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Susan Dugan on March 3, 2009 at 9:41am

I think all the shows have been outstanding, and it would be appropriate to begin to recycle some of them. How do you feel about that? Also, I think incorporating some of the 7th and 8th graders, like the dancers this year, shows a real continuity among the grade levels.

Permalink Reply by Sarah DAngelo Thoms on March 25, 2009 at 8:27pm

The shows are great and they really showcase our student body. I have a few thoughts after this years Jordan Road show...I think it is necessary for us to include more of the student body. Yes, the room was stuffed to its gills so maybe not all the same night. But, I would like to discuss havIng a second show maybe just an Art and performance show for the older group of students~they get so into it!
PS I have been taking my classes on these really cool virtual tours of the Louvre in France and "The world of Fashion" runway shows for a unit we're covering in 8th grade art careers! I found some great related arts "stuff" online if anyones interested!

Permalink Reply by Jennifer Luff on March 26, 2009 at 6:49pm

Sarah - The show was great and you can tell the kids love the chance to shine. I also think it is good that the major bulk of the work is done during specials so that it is not a major disruption to the classroom subjects. I know you have been working with sixth grade and bringing in the Egyptian art. I wonder if we did it in the older grades we can some how tie in the themes that those grade levels do into the show?

Permalink Reply by Jennifer Rowe on March 27, 2009 at 4:49pm

If the students were interested again, I would love to see the 5th and 6th grade involved! They have a blast putting on mini-plays in class and performing any chance they can get. :)

Permalink Reply by Ruth McDevitt on March 28, 2009 at 8:25am

This is the first chance that I have had time to actually make a comment....so busy getting ready for the I.A.Festival. After being involved in this program for nine years now, I feel that it will always be an ongoing process. Every year we have to consider who (which grades) will be performing and which individual teachers will be part of the planning process. This varies from year to year.

After all these years of research, planning, practicing, doing...you name it, I feel it is a truely rewarding experience for not only myself, but for all our students.

Part of our CCCS requirements is to display student art. I do not include Kindergarten in the art show. ( They have their projects displayed throughout the year.) The remainder of the Dawes students in grades 1-6 have at least 3 projects each displayed. Creating an environment for student work is something worth while, also. ( ex: Rainforest where black lights illuminated neon butterflies and lizards while monkeys hung from vines.)

I am still smiling and proud of this week's performance! I plan to really rest and actually sleep this weekend!

Lindsay and I are already brainstorming for next year's program, "Down Under"...exploring Australia and New Zealand. I already have ideas to transform a huge area into the Great Barrier Reef...papier mache sealife hung from the ceiling....coraled walls.....etc

Ok, I don't mean to ramble.. Bottom line: It's an excelent program and needs to tweaked by the individuals involved on a yearly basis.We have recycled program pieces but improve on what was previously done. It takes cooperation from all from the custodians(awesome) to Mr.Toscano. I feel truely fortunate to work with such a great partner, Lindsay, and a super supportive principal, thanks Doreen, and an incredible staff (you are the best!!!)

Permalink Reply by Lindsay Wilson on March 30, 2009 at 8:30pm

Thanks for the "Special Area Forum." Ah, IA Programs. We have experienced so many changes throughout the past nine years. Adaptability and creativity are two keys to success. Faculty changes, facility changes, student population changes, show's geographical location changes, these make each year unique. By discussing what worked well and what needed improving after each show, we have raised the bar each year to make a better final product. A great example of how our show changed this year is a direct result of a parent letter we received last year. Originally the letter left us feeling a bit hurt. It inferred that we didn't think things through well enough and should have everyone perform on stage. Well, we have never seen a show at Dawes that was performed completely on stage. When Pris Spickler had gymnastics as part of the show, we used the gym floor. We just continued that "past practice." So this year, after coming to a place of unanimous agreement, we faced the challenges of performing"on stage." Dealing with the unknown was scarey but as it turned out, having the show on stage was fantastic. Parents loved everything about it this year. Another change for our show this year came about as a result of Renee Murtaugh commenting last year that it was ashame our students don't get to see the show. So this year, we performed a special dress rehearsal for the entire Dawes building on the day before the IA show. I am so glad we did that. I hope we will always be able to schedule a school show. It was a win-win situation.

We are thinking of new ways to make transitions seamless, audience engagement at its best and always striving to keep the show to an hour. The power point presentation and movie was a great way to start the show. We will consider using something again but in a different capacity...ah, change! Thanks for the opportunity to "chat!"