OCR Text |
Show Sat/Sun/Mon/Tues, March 29-April 1, 2008 The Park Record A-18 A sixth-grade salon has everything but biscotti best French accent. The students refer to her by the working name Chantal. Informed by the World Cate online community and discussion system, Wadman introduced this method of informal discussion as By JASON STRYKOWKI a means of promoting thoughtful class time. Of the Record staff Key elements in the World A touch of French class and Cafe" model include: an inviting caf6 culture has emerged at atmosphere, participant encourEcker Hill International Middle agement, active listening and School as students in Ms. chair rotation. The model can be Elizabeth Wadman's reading applied for any number of uses classes assemble at round tables and first emerged 13 years ago as to munch on animal crackers and a result of a convening of the pretzels while discussing their Intellectual Capital Pioneers. On the menu today is the subthoughts. The 6th grade class more ject "bias" and each student at closely resembles a European all four tables chats about the sidewalk scene than a middle connotations and meanings of school room. In place of the typ- the word. A few of them analyze bias as ically sterile desks and chairs it effects the relationship pushed into symmetrical rows, the World Cafe" classroom is between Donkey and the ogre filled with large tables covered in Shrek in the film of the same colored table cloth and staggered name, while others talk about violence and racism. in aesthetic disarray. They all write their thoughts Each table also sports a bowl and conclusions on paper laid filed with food and two cups with out across the table. At the end markers. In the background two small speakers play "Pink of the session, this red sheet ofMartini," a funky cafe"-style paper becomes a stream-of-conband, and Wadman speaks in her sciousness flow that incorporates art, statements and diagrams. Ecker Hill students refine their conversations At the end of the hour-long session, Wadman, no longer in her Chantal persona, gathers the students around for a synthesis of their discussions. They share their thoughts and opinions. The final result of their session is a bullet list written by Wadman that incorporates many of their ideas. Maybe the most important element of the Cafe", at least to the students, is the food. "Food encourages us to think harder," said Michael Marsh, a student in the cla*ss. A few of the students took time away from their intensive chats to assign proper nomenclature to an animal cracker. One stared seriously at his pretzel while he searched his thoughts. Another student, going against Wadman's assigned table rotation, chose his seating according to the availability of food. The Cafe", still in its first few sessions, has already demonstrated some results, Wadman said that it is "wonderful to be able to see kids learn to think for themselves." KRISTIN MURPHY/PARK RECORD Maggie Hale, another student Emily White, 11, reaches for a marker to write down an example of "bias" in Elizabeth in the class, summed it up nicely; Wadman's World Cafe reading class at Ecker Hill International Middle School. At the end of "you get to talk." the session each piece of paper has comments from nearly every student. District hopes to bring more art to its elementary schools Superintendent plans to pursue funding for district and school art specialists By TAYLOR EISENMAN Of the Record staff of having a full-time art teacher in an elementary school and Memmott would be working with teachers on how they can incorporate Utah's new art core curriculum into their everyday teaching and through monthly lessons. Viewed by some as competing programs (due mostly to the assumption that there would not be enough money to fund both), the board empha- The Park City School Board made an informal decision in Wednesday's meeting to pursue funding sources to continue JoAnn Memmott's position as district art specialist and bring MoPolin Elementary School's art specialist Anne-Marie Buckland on as a district employee for the 2008-2009 school year. • If funding sources are found, McPolin would become a pilot proeram to analyze the effects fact that they see the district art specialist position and the pilot program complementing each other. "There's a lot to be said for Anne-Marie's program where students receive intensive art education and appreciation. That has tremendous value," board member Michael Boyle said. "At the same time, I completely support the arts being integrated into , the curriculum to enhance and complement instruction." McPolin thirdgrade teacher Linda D u gi ns ' a g r e e~d that the dis- trict's art specialist position will the two programs working enrich their program, but she simultaneously next year. She said it also doesn't compare to continued that while Memmott having a full-time teacher in / think it's good for Park City and the school. "We have good for our kids to have as much art implemented a pro-as possible." gram at McPolin, and it has - Anne-Marie Buckland been very successful, McPolin Art Specialist not only with the visual arts, but with improving has a totally different approach, students' self confidence and "I think it's good for Park City the positive energy that sur- and good for our kids to have as rounds Miss Buckland and the much art as possible." whole program," she said. "Art Buckland said she hopes to has become the favorite subject work -with anyone who's interof nearly half of my class." ested, including Memmott, Buckland said she is excited other teachers and parents who about, the emphasis placed on volunteer to teach Masterpiece aTt'iA.Xb.6 district's elementary •classes, by sharing her advice, schools and the possibility of lesson plans and expertise. With demands on the district and exact budget numbers for next year still unknown, the board can not yet guarantee being able to fund these programs from the general fund. Superintendent Ray Timothy said he will be looking into applying for two legislative grants for the programs from House Bill 2, which allocates monies for 12 district art specialist and 50 school art specialists throughout the state. These specialist are not just for the visual arts, but for all four art core areas, including music, theater and dance. Curriculum Director Lori Gardner said she thinks Park City will have a good chance of receiving funds for both a school and district specialist because of the progress each program has already made this year. Applications for the grants are due by the end of April. mm ,t Arts-Kids. '. : • ' . - i • •• • - - •• : - .' ' . •'ConinscTinig through O r e a t v i y ARTS-KIDS 5th annual Saturday March 29, 2008 6:00 p.m. - 9:00p.m. Kimball Arts Center FEATURING DONE TO YOUR TASTE CATERING music by BIG TIME JAZZ live and silent auctions ^ Live Art , &••< by Local Artists @avid Maestas, Felix Saez, David • Merrill, Bill Kranstover, and i, Heather Barron. Scholarship Contest Rising 6^;& 7th g.. • Awards granted based on admissions testing results • Please call Susan Radtkeat 435.649.2791 to select a date and register for the test Testing Dates: Saturday, March 29th 10:00 am to 12:00 pm Saturday, April 5 th 10:00 am to 12:00 pm Presenting Sponsor - Whitney Wallace Gold Sponsors - Jerry & Judy Hanley, Mike & Nan Worel Silver Sponsors - Bradley & Kafherlne Mimlftz; Patricia Heberllng, Marietta Robinson, Mountain Wfest Bank, Anonymous Bronze Sponsors -Nexus IT Consultants, Joe Hanley Insurance Park City Academy A Foundation'for Success 3120 Pinebrook Rd. Park City, UT 84098 435.649.2791 www.parkcityacademy.org i |