me arts ed

Today at Hall Elementary School

Jayne Sawtelle wonderful music educator who was a finalist for the Maine Teacher of the Year award this year. This morning at her school she was surprised at breakfast with blueberry pancakes. The steel drum she leads are named The Blueberry Pancakes.

Later on in the day she was surprised by the entire school of 500 students, parents, administrators and parents honoring her for her accomplishments. And of course, The Blueberry Pancakes played. Portland Superintendent James Morse read a proclamation from Portland Mayor Jill Duson and the students from the first and second grade classes performed a song they had written for Jayne with the help of teacher Rita Rubin.

The humble teacher shared a comment that was said to her by one of her teachers, the director of the band that Jayne has played with for 30 years. “It’s not enough to know your part,” he said.  “You have to know what you’re a part of.” She then added, “I’m a part of this great school and this great community and you’re all a part of it, too.  And that’s very special.”

CONGRATULATIONS JAYNE! YOU’VE MADE MAINE ARTS EDUCATORS PROUD!

The information for this blog post was taken from the Portland Public School Department News blog @ http://blogs.portlandschools.org/ppsd/2009/10/01/hall-honors-teacher-of-the-year-runner-up/