News and information for staff members and the Madison community
Vol. I No. 5 - March 29, 2006
On April 9, citizens are invited to attend a film festival that celebrates the 150th anniversary of the founding of our city, Madison, Wisconsin. Two videos created by students and staff have been chosen for inclusion in the festival. 'Can You Say Sesquicentennial?' is a short piece created by the Cherokee Heights Middle School A/V Club. The A/V Club is no stranger to public recognition, having won awards at previous festivals.
'Can You Say Sesquicentennial?' features a cameo appearance by Wisconsin First Lady Jessica Doyle.
According to Club advisor and Cherokee Librarian Laura Holt, "These festivals are exciting for the kids. They give us a focus. This project was fun because it was conceived and written by sixth graders and produced by our core group which includes a mix of students from all grade levels. The idea came out of a brainstorming session when a teacher walked in and asked what we were doing. When the kids replied, she said, 'Gee, try to say that five times fast!'"
The A/V club is in its fourth year and growing.
'Akira Toki: The American Japanese' is a project that grew from Toki Middle School's celebration of their namesake's 90th birthday. With the help from the staff of MMSD-TV, Toki students interviewed Mr. Toki about his life and read from his biography Akira Toki: The American Japanese, by Arthur Rathburn.
Toki Framework Coordinator Alison Brown was one of the primary organizers of the week-long festivities which, in addition to the video, included a Toki trivia contest, integrated lessons and a school-wide birthday celebration.
As students sang "Happy Birthday" and watched the festivities from their classrooms via a closed-circuit telecast, friends, family members, student council representatives and visiting dignitaries gathered in the LMC to honor Mr. Toki.
"Being chosen for the video festival has been like the icing on the cake of this celebration for Mr. Toki. We are so pleased that through the video he will receive continued recognition for all he has given to our students and the City of Madison," says Brown.
The Madison 150 Film Festival is sponsored by Wis-Kino and will be shown at 1:00pm and 4:00pm at Monona Terrace on Sunday April 9. For information, go to http://www.wis-kino.com.
Toki students interview their school's namesake on his 90th birthday.
Last Updated: Wed Apr 26 07:48:49 2006
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