me arts ed

Mt. Katadhin traveling north from Route 95

While on my trip to Aroostook County I had a chance to make several stops. The Presque Isle schools were having their annual arts extravaganza at the mall. This gave me a chance to visit with teachers, hear students performing and see displays of art work from students in grades K-12. I also met people who are dedicated to outstanding arts education programs.

Dr. Beth Ann Miller and the middle school recorder students

The mall was jam packed with visitors that night and they were WOWED by incredible musical selections by students in grades 4-12. I commend the work of music teachers Dan Schneider, Pat Bragdon, Jay Nelson, Kevin Kinsey, Sherri Calhoun, and Beth Ann Miller.

Presque Isle High School sculptures

Sadly, Presque Isle will be losing music educator Dr. Miller who is moving to Chicago. She retired two years ago after more than 30 years of dedication to teaching but continued in a volunteer capacity. It is not often I get to hear a recorder group that contains middle school students playing the bass, tenor, soprano and alto recorders. We learned that they arrive at school very early in the morning to participate in the recorder group and they were fantastic!

The art work by students in grades K-12 filled three unoccupied store fronts. I applaud the work of art teachers Ellyn Whitten-Smith, Julie Nadeau, Jayne Tasker, and Ruth McAtee for an outstanding exhibit. The progression of artistic skills was very evident.

Mall Manager Patti Crooks and Art Teacher Ruth McAtee

Mall manager Patti Crooks is a number one supporter of arts education. She not only welcomed parents, students and friends to the extravaganza but she presented collages to Ruth Mcatee, Dr. Beth Ann Miller, and Dan Schneider who have been participating with students at the annual extravaganza for the last 15 years. Patti is a wonderful supporter and partner of the arts!

Ashland Art Teacher Sue Beaulier

While in Aroostook I spent a day visiting Ashland schools, arts classrooms and teachers. Presently, art teacher Sue Beaulier and music teachers Jon Simonoff go between two buildings and classrooms teaching students in grades K-12. The buildings are older and environments not ideal for teaching art and music but that is about to change. For several years the community has worked to build a new facility and their hard work is about to be paid off when their new building opens in the fall. I had a special chance to tour the facility that is not quite completed. The beautiful art and music rooms are across the hall from the 550 seat performing arts space. The community has never had a performance space that will certainly provide many wonderful opportunities for learning and linking the community with the school.

Ashland Music Teacher Jon Simonoff

While in Aroostook County I also had a chance to meet with the northern pARTners, a newly named group of art teachers who meet monthly. For years the Aroostook art teachers have met but this year with an official name. They share lessons, ideas and provide support to each other.

Mt. Katahdin driving to Washington County

I headed from Presque Isle south early in the morning hoping to see some moose on my way to Machias. I didn’t see any moose but it was the first time I had a chance to travel on that part of Route 1 and I was in awe of the beauty. I stopped a couple of times to take pictures but I am afraid my photos don’t tell the whole story.

Jude Valentine and Shanna Wheelock

While in Washington County I had a chance to visit with Jude Valentine from the TIDES Institute. Jude has recently written a grant and received funding for Visual Thinking Strategies (VTS) that will involve several art and classroom teachers. Jude and I visited Shanna Wheelock, Lubec Schools art teacher to learn more about the proposed closing of Lubec High School that will be voted on the end of June.

We are living in an interesting and challenging time with the economy. I am continuously inspired by the work arts educators do considering the stresses some are under with the present job situation. Continuing to communicate the importance and value of visual and performing arts education through student exhibits and performances is a key component to the educational process!