Arts Academy Revitalization Action Team

Arts Academy Meeting Notes, May 9, 2007

May 9, 2007 at 1:10 pm | In Minutes |

Summary:

Meeting adjourned at 2:10 p.m.

Next meeting: Monday, 5/14 at 1:40 in the Music Room, to discuss PATHSFEST.

Please see below for the full notes.

Present:

• Dave Nichols
• Jane Krasnow
• Diane Manzi
• Lisa Hicks
• Vicky Stubbs
• Dave Beane
• Phil Divinsky
• Lisa DiFranza

Full Notes (paraphrased):

The meeting began with discussion around performance pieces for the HOME Project at PATHSFEST – and setting up a schedule to fit into the day.

Tuesday 5/15 will be our next HOME project Work Day with Lisa DiFranza and the students. We will meet as a team after school that day (instead of Wednesday, Awards day) with Lisa.

The Dance Program will be performing at 11:30, and all ARRAT programs and teachers are invited to attend. The Dancers will perform their HOME projects, as well as other Dances they have prepared this year.

Dave Beane’s students will participate in the HOME project by capturing the ‘work’ on video. He will assign a cameraperson to shadow Lisa on Tuesday in hopes of capturing some interview time and some visual ‘process’ with the students.

Video will also be shooting some footage on the 22nd – of the HOME project, and of other PATHSFEST demonstrations.

HOME “Live Performance” Schedule for the 22nd is as follows:
SESSION 1: 9:00 = music
SESSION 2: 11:30 = Dance, 11:30 = Music, 12:30 Dance (repeat performance)

Lisa D. talked about setting up a home for HOME in front of and inside Phil’s classroom on the first floor. The inside will display the students writing (those who want to share) and visual pieces. The TV’s in the hallway will play any video or slideshows; Val will set up a computer in the classroom to show any computer projects.
The window by the music room will showcase some of Fashion’s projects, as well as the window on the third floor.

Dave Nichols reported that the Fire Dept. WILL set up an all day presentation. The Police Department will also be present with a seat-belt demo and maybe the dogs.

Lisa D. asked Diane if her afternoon student (Jamie Pelletier) would share her line drawing she is working on for HOME, And maybe get interviewed on video — she has shown much resistance to the project, and yet has come full circle, and now has something very moving to share.

(Her story is a great example of why projects like this are beneficial to kids)

Dave Nichols reported that some of his students shared with him that this project has made his students write more than they ever have in their high school experience – even at their sending schools. They usually hate to write, and don’t usually do any of the assigned writing in their English classes. WooHoo – we need to celebrate these stories.

Discussion followed about scheduling some Reflection Time for students (an assessment piece) and for staff – with a presentation to Administration about the project.

Lisa D. said that the minimum participation of this project is a written ‘artist statement’ or reflection – she will come up with three prompts that students can choose from, then they must submit a one-page, type written, response.

The expectation of the project is that every student will submit this writing assignment, and also present a product (visual/ or performance).

The typewritten response is due May 22nd.

More discussion around a time to have students write together about their experience as a way to assess the project. May 23rd at 8:30 and 11:30 – as a whole group (outside, weather permitting). A photo should be taken and an article written to be presented to the Forecaster, etc.

In the fall of 2007, we should plan a “Write-In” event on the lawn with all Arts Academy students.

Meeting adjourned at 2:10pm.