This week, I am inspired by Phillip Sossou.

Phillip Sossou of Boston Latin School decided to draw a portrait of all 411 seniors, which now hang in the school’s hallway. It took Sossou four months to draw all of them. Sossou said a few parents and students were very touched when they saw all the portraits hanging up and were moved to tears. He said he did not expect people to be so moved by his artwork. Sossou will study animation at Bunker Hill Community College and UMass Amherst. In an interview with NECN, Sossou said that he wanted to bring everyone together, because he felt that students were becoming very fractured. At one point, he was creating 16 pieces a day, staying at school until 8PM to complete the work.  He stayed the course, and completed the work..  Art CAN bring people together.

Terry Walkowicz, who worked with music teachers this year would also like to stay the course in music..

From Terry (New Bedford Symphony Orchestra):
At the end of each year, I always wish that I could continue the lessons and learning from the year’s curriculum. So many times, I hear students asking if we can return again, or can they hear more about our musicians, our music and even their pets. Well, I have launched a blog called “Musicall” on the NBSO website. Kids can check in and see what’s new, hear about new music or even learn more about our music, art and science connections! Could you please share the link with the third grade teachers and music faculty? My first blog post has a special request from Peter’s pet rock, Dwayne. (The kids are sure to like that!)
Thanks so much,
Terry

http://www.nbsymphony.org/musicall/?musicallcategories=liked-that-listen-to-this

As we wrap up summative evaluations, I want to thank you for your time and hard work that goes into making this process meaningful.  Is is fascinating for me to see you reflect and grow, each of you thinking and reflecting on your specific student learning goals, as well as the professional practice goals that supported student and personal growth.  As we wrap up these conversations, please capture ideas for a focus for growth that you will be thinking about as you draft your 2016/17 goals!   

Here are some common threads we have discussed in summative conversations:

• A need for a better two way communicative system with parents and the community
• A focus on creating art and being able to defend choice making with reason based on Elements and Principals of Design
• A focus on reading notation with accuracy and improved fluency.  
• Continued focus on using technological tools for engagement and scaffolding
• Continuation of collaboration for growth- both individual and program development

These common threads may fuel team wide goals for next year.  As we continue to meet in the fall, we will flesh this work out and identify action steps to achieve them together.  We will stay the course, TOGETHER!

In the spotlight this week:

This Week, Kuss Middle School performed in their Annual Spring Concert, which was a huge success.  Kudos go out to the HUNDREDS of students who performed, and the teachers who prepared them for AWESOMENESS!  Ms. Russo, Ms. Laprise and Mr. Monte have worked hard all year to make this event a success and it worked!  Kuss students also received a SUPERIOR rating at the Trills and Thrills Music Festival at Lake Compounce in Wallingford, Connecticut.  Simply amazing..

We are growing!  Both Band and Orchestra numbers are increasing at Durfee!  In looking at the incoming student course requests, we are seeing growth of approximately 15%, which means more students are interested and staying the course..  This is great news.  Also, for the first time, we will be offering Dance as an arts course at Durfee!  We had a huge demand for this course and will be running it in the next school year.

Stay the course.  Budget uncertainty is a trying time.  Please do not let this uncertainty take the wind from your sails..  We will persevere- continue to show your students and community the importance of your program, and stay positive.  As we move through this process, please reach out if you have any questions or concerns.  

Have a restful weekend, filled with fun, sun, family and friends..

Take care,

Jackie