A Renaissance Kind of Week!

As you can see, we are gearing up for tonight's Spring fundraiser, with all things purple in the air. 
Staff and students are literally a sea of purple as they gear up for Purple Rain the Scottie Way.  The grade level fling artwork is out, it's very well done as always, so should be a fun evening for everyone.  Fling co-chairs Monique Penner and Keli Sotello deserve big thanks as these parent driven events are never easy to pull off and the details are coordinated in between their own real jobs and real life happenings. 

Ms. Maca's work with HP fifth graders

Lots of good learning taking place all over the building this week.  Our fifth graders are in the throes of their grade level service project, collecting food donations for those in need.  I like that all students participate and learn about the power of personal philanthropy in class, before they leave our school at the end of the year.  This fifth grade endeavor (spearheaded by Mrs. Dean), along with our long-standing K-5 after school service club CLASS, gives these students a foundation and appreciation to give back to the community. Now and in future.

Mrs. Dean and students gathering donations

One of the best units Mrs. Dean's LA students undertake each year surrounds the Civil Rights movement of the 1960's.  She incorporates much around the young adult novel The Watson's Go to Birmingham, but what really strikes me is the way the unit evolves each year.  The power of growing into your own as a teacher is a beautiful thing.  This year, Mrs. Dean incorporated new text (working on the all important text to text comparisons), used an Inquiry Board for students to post thoughts as they read chapters of the the central novel, and when I popped in, were exploring music as art.  I left the room literally dancing in the halls.  These students watched Pharrell Williams' Happy video while I was there - they had watched some old school Sam Cooke footage previously I was told- and, most importantly, while they were watching and listening, were highly engaged in analysis of the music, the times, the connections to what they were reading and learning about America in the 60's...and today.  They have deep thoughts, these intrepid fifth graders, and many times much more wisdom than us.  Those of us who know Mrs. Dean know she has a real interest in social justice for all, a real passion to get kids to think beyond the obvious, so it's great to see that passion translate into the classroom.  These kids will make their own way and form their own individual beliefs on a variety of topics as they move forward into young adulthood.  But it's a good thing that they are being given the tools and forum to think and explore today.

One of the new texts this year

recording thoughts while listening

Over in fourth grade, teacher Laine Leibick was once again tackling her Mystery/Detective Unit.  And once again, just like Mrs. Dean, she has changed it up, kept it fresh for the students as curriculum specifics change, and kept it fresh for herself so she stays inspired.  Mark of a good veteran teacher.

I popped in for a bit before Laine's Parent Visiting Day activities took place as she had mentioned an art

Sarah's rough draft

installation I "just had to see".  Glad I went.  Student John Savage had installed a giant geometric colored pattern on the floor, around a set of desks (done the afternoon before I hear), and it simply blew me away with its scope and precision.  In the unit, these students always explore visual art along with the reading,  writing, and other content connections - think mysteries of life across all spectrums! - and John chose the artist Jim Lambie.   John, along with his peers, did some amazing other research in those classes as well.  This included research and writing on historical figures who spoke Truth to the Power, learning about those people who "bucked" the system in their quest for truth and justice.
They also researched and wrote about 
Renaissance men and women (think Galileo and Michelangelo), exploring the mysteries of multi-talented and multi-faceted people.  I was especially taken with Sarah's choice of writing about her classmate Gustavo.  She recognizes his unique gifts to the world and it was affirming and joyous to read what she wrote about him. As Mrs. Leibick shared, "when I read papers like this, it gives me hope for our future".  Couldn't agree more.

Truth to Power research booklets

An homage to artist George Rodriguez

Two last things for this post.  Thanks to Lamar Middle School principal George Llewellyn for taking the time this morning to visit our fifth graders, going through the choice sheet options, and helping answer any questions that arose.  Leaving the bubble of your elementary school is often very scary for these students, but George has a way of calming the waters, always steady as he goes.  I simply can't say enough about my respect for him (another Renaissance Man!) and the great work happening over at Lamar.  Don't forget we will help celebrate the HP/Lamar connection on Friday, February 28 for the HP Night at Grease.  See Kerren Campa for details on tickets to this Lamar student performance of the well known musical. 

Finally, though I had no part of the event, I did travel last Sunday to Westlake High School to see all things TedxYouth@Austin.  Wow!  I went at the invitation of former Scottie Maddie Goulet (event youth project manager, couldn't be prouder!), and was blown away by the talented Renaissance youth on that stage - everything from a 19 year old grad assistant at UT working on life saving medical research to a socially conscious youtuber (he was the rock star of the event by the way) to a high school student who also trains service dogs for veterans and others.  Making a difference kids who are not just doing one thing in life, but tackling many do-good things as they go. 

I was glad I saw some former Scotties in the audience, now scattered to public and private high schools all around Austin.  Loved the energy, the creativity (at the heart of all those kids do) and the fearlessness of just going for it.  Though I felt like a bit of a slacker most certainly, I did leave the event with a feel-good vibe knowing our future movers and shakers are on it.  They are on it.  Definitely check out TedxYouth@Austin next year if you are able.  Worth your time.