Paper Capers! - an artist-in-residency at Emerson Elementary

Students at Emerson Elementary recently had the opportunity to create handmade books filled with their own writings and biographies. A two-week artist-in-residency with book artist Shawn Sheehy occurred in March. During the first week students heard presentations from Mr. Sheehy about his work as a papermaker and saw examples of the pop-up books he has written and made from handmade paper. They then learned the process of making paper - from mixing up pulp in blenders, to "hogging" the vats of pulp, to creating beautiful sheets of colorful paper. During the second week each grade level made books using a different binding style. These books were then filled with student writings reflecting their experiences at Emerson and how they contribute to the positive environment of the school.

In conjunction with the book-making, students in 3-5th grade worked with students from East High School's Spoken Word poetry performance club on developing poems that focused on self-esteem, positive behavior, and what Emerson means to them. Emerson students performed their poems for the school and they will be included in written form in their books. The culmination of the residency will be the Emerson Fine Arts Night on May 16th. The handmade books will be displayed that night, and musical and poetry performances will also occur.

Paper Capers was funded by the Dane County Cultural Affairs Commission, along with additional funds from the Madison Community Foundation and the Overture Foundation, and the Emerson PTO.

Shawn Sheehy shows the colorful handmade paper

Shawn Sheehy shows Principal Karen Kepler how to make paper

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Congressional High School Art Competition- Three MMSD students take top honors

MMSD student artists were honored at the annual Congressional High School Art Competition. Participants were invited to the closing ceremony at the Overture Center for the Arts on March 25. This was open to all high school students who reside in Wisconsin's 2nd Congressional District.

A panel of three judges consisting of local artists and art educators were chosen by Congresswoman Baldwin to review all the art submitted and to choose the contest winners. At the end of the exhibition, the Congresswoman announced the first place winner — Colleen Lundquist who will have her work displayed in our nation's Capitol for one year. The first runner-up was Erica Beckman, while Christy Torpy received 2nd runner up honors. All three are MMSD students.

The top winners will have their work hung in either Washington, Madison, or Beloit. Other MMSD students to participate included: Katie Bower, Katelyn Brauner, Richie Hands, Emilia Olsen, Jenny Peek, Alexia Pophal, and Jade Schmitt.

The entry of first place winner Colleen Lundquist.

Student artist Jenny Peek and her entry in the Congressional Art Competition.

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Hawthorne school was the recipient of a School Health Council Grant which focused on physical activity and nutrition. The goal of the project was to have the school collectively run to Disneyland on Route 66 by running or walking 1/4 mile loops on the playground during lunch recess. The children were given 1 ticket for each 1/4 mile run or walked. The project included all students as evidenced by the participation of a child who walked with crutches as well as a child in a wheelchair. The children ran through the snow to reach their goal and the Nurse or nurse assistant ran/walked with them as further motivation and to keep them honest. Every two weeks the mileage was tallied and one class from each grade level that went the furthest was given a fruit of vegetable treat for their efforts. Almost every class had the opportunity to be the winners in their grade level. At the start of the program and when the goal was reached the school had an assembly featuring student participation (skits and jokes) and staff dressing up as fruits and vegetables (pictured). Also, when the goal was reached each class received a fruit and vegetable tray to snack on for a few days. Many children tried fruits and vegetables that they had never eaten before.

Hawthorne staff: Grant Coordinator Jaci McDaniel dressed as a celery stalk, 3rd grade teacher Jack Kroll is the carrot, School Nurse Marie Heiligenstein is the grapes and Pauly Miller, READS double dose teacher, is the tomato.

Principal Cathy McMillan is the "banana" at the assembly.

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MSCR held the Annual Dance Recital on April 8 at the Memorial High School Auditorium. More than 200 dancers performed for excited parents, family members and friends. Children ages 3 — 8th grade wowed the crowd performing tap, hip hop, jazz and ballet musical numbers. Donated baked goods and flowers were sold as a fundraiser for the MSCR Arts & Enrichment program.

Members of the Boys Tap Dance with instructor

Members of the Advanced Combination Class

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Lincoln School students in Marc Kornblatt's fifth grade class recently received a special package from Oaxaca, Mexico. In their enthusiam, they got a bit carried away with the packing material. Once the paper had settled, they had a brightly painted carved wooden lion that will eventually find its home in the school's library.

The lion, which is Lincoln's mascot, was sculpted and painted by Armando Jimenez Aragon and his wife Antonia Hernandez, a husband and wife team from the town of Arrazolla, Mexico. Later this month, the two will visit Lincoln and Midvale school to demonstrate their craft. Some Lincoln students will get a chance to help Ms. Hernandez paint the final touches on the lion.

Oaxacan woodcarvers and painters are renowned for their colorful, finely detailed work. Stay tuned for pictures of the finished lion.

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For Earth Day at Hawthorne activities centered around painting improvements to our playground and preparing our garden. Students shared Earth Day poems, stories and songs. This "open mike" activity was organized by Amy Covey, first grade teacher. The painting improvements were led by school parents Michelle and Vince Borleske and Americorps volunteers (pictured).

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Madison Author Visits Randall Third Graders

Madison author Steve Kihm delighted third graders with his visit to Randall School on March 22. Steve wrote The Lost Candy Bar, a true story involving a fishing trip Steve took with his grandfather on the Mississippi River 40 years ago. The trip turns out to be quite an adventure, with an unexpected ending that delights readers of all ages. During his visit, Steve read parts of his book, talked about the process he went through in writing the book, and also discussed writing in general. The Lost Candy Bar has received the Merit Award for Humor, a 5-Star Rating by the Midwest Book Review, and was also the December 2005 Wisconsin Book of the Month choice for Jessica Doyles Read On Wisconsin Book Club. You can learn more about Steve and his book by visiting www.thelostcandybar.com.