me arts ed

Happy Graduation!

During my 30 years in the classroom this time of year was ALWAYS bitter sweet. I was racing to complete work with students, enjoying the end of year out of the routine activities and reflecting on the accomplishments and achievements.

Some students would graduate or go on to the next grade level happy and some with regrets. Some ready to end the year and others kicking and screaming about leaving. It was always easy for me to be excited about the accomplishments of students, whether great or small. At this time of year I can’t help but take some time and think about my past students.

This year is a special one for my family, my older son graduated this past weekend from College of the Atlantic (COA). As the rain paused and I watched the 74 members of the graduating class follow the bagpipers into the large tent I couldn’t help but think about my sons’ successes and struggles during the last four years. My husband and I are, of course, very proud of him. My son has changed and grown in so many ways that we don’t measure. He has climbed mountains that seemed unpassable. He certainly has learned but I must say my son and his brother are my greatest teachers! I have learned much more from them then I could ever teach.

COA’s graduates all receive degrees in Human Ecology. This provides an opportunity for them to learn about themselves and their interconnectedness with people, the environment and the world. When I think about the successes and challenges students have in school I wish they had more opportunities to learn these skills to help them deal. If they believe in themselves and have an understanding of how their actions and behaviors impact those around them it might just make a difference for them which in turn impacts the world.

As students leave your classrooms and schools this June my hope for them is to take the learning opportunities they’ve had and use it to make a difference in the world.

Damp day but warm greeting

Not to long ago on a very rainy I had the opportunity to visit the RSU 25 schools of Bucksport Middle and High School, Miles Lane, and Orland Consolidated. Like many other school districts they have consolidated and are struggling with changes due to the economy.

In spite of the struggles I was impressed with the work of the art and music teachers and had the chance to visit several classrooms. Students were engaged in the elementary art classrooms of Margaret Jones and Linda Babb. They were engaged and excited to be creating and to share their work.

I was right at home in Leah Olson’s middle school art classroom and found the students delightful! Once again they were willing to share with me about their new knowledge.

And was so impressed when I visited music classrooms of Andria Chase. It reminded me of how much veteran teachers can learn from young teachers! The 6th grade  was collaborating to create music with Andria while she nagivigated using the LCD and her laptop.

I had a chance to stop in at the high school and say hi to music teacher Mark Neslusan and art teacher Holly Bertrand. The rain finally stopped and the sky filled with the vibrant end of day colors as I returned to the high school for their spring music concert with performances by several ensembles and the full band and chorus. The perfect end to a delightful day in RSU25.