As we enter the final quarter, our fifth graders are hard at work designing their own personal banner or flag, featuring their own slogan and logo. Modeling after country and international flags, they have the option to include their favorite animal, pattern, shape, plant, sport or activity, and their top three favorite colors. These flags are intended to become family treasures, so will be assembled using fabric paints, markers, and dyes, and other fabrics. You will get to see them at the fifth grade ceremony!
Carl West won a calendar page for the Dept. of Utilities Water Conservation contest in April, and was presented with an envious goody bag and a city pin at a ceremony in the City Council chambers on May 5th. Congratulations, Carl!
Even Mrs. Vasile won an award for her artwork! She submitted a lint picture to the Earth Day ceremony at Christopher Newport College for exhibit, but it found its way into the competition and won 2nd place!
All students who had artwork submitted to the Windsor Woods Area Library have been invited to come to a reception at the library on May 8, 7-8 pm. If your child had work in the library and didn't receive an invitation, come on in anyways and enjoy the fellowship!
All grades are completing unfinished work and painting their clay pots and figures.
Grade 5 has also been working on our POTTER'S WHEEL and making some really interesting pieces! We have had a couple of months without the wheel because of the theme paintings, but now we're going full again!
Over the next few weeks, grades 4 and 5 will be working in stations to create, develop, and finish up to 5 different assignments. Please remind your child to stay focused and come prepared to work!
A FEW CLASSROOM CHANGES TO COME:
Now that it's nice outside, we will take advantage of our new outdoor COURTYARD and let some of our most responsible children work outside on their art creations!
As a hearing impaired teacher, it may sometimes be difficult for me to communicate verbally with your child. Together we are learning a new language to use in the Art Room. Sign language is a beautiful way to communicate without speaking, and I have a word wall that displays the majority of the words we learn this year in sign. We will also be using the microphone and notepads on days that are more challenging. Most of our children now have up to 50 signs memorized! Ask your child to show you the signs!
I have your children in Art class only once a week. Since you see them every day, please remind them that Art is also a class and not a place to play. Although we do like to have fun while we learn, we can accomplish more if they stay focused and ready to work.
Paint aprons are available as needed, but please do not send your child to school in Sunday's best on Art Day, just in case! Also, keep a container of spot treatment on hand and check their clothing before washing. If spots don't come out in the wash, DON'T PUT THEM IN THE CLOTHES DRYER or the spots will become permanent. The internet has a host of sites that help with stain removal; put them on your Favorites!
As always, parents are welcome in the Art Room. If you want to learn with your child, please allow me the courtesy of advanced notice so I can make sure you have a place to work. Call the office, and they'll set up an appointment with you.
I am excited about this year, and all the new changes it has brought and new opportunities for your child. I hope that this year will be the best yet, as together we explore our Brave New World!
Thank you for allowing me the priviledge of teaching your child.
R.D. Vasile, Art Education
