The Magic Moment

A Video worth watching - check out this paper engineer explain his magic!

The Magic Moment from Christopher Helkey on Vimeo.

MATH in ART Class?!?!?

Our third and fourth graders have been working on the math concept of transformations (reflection, translation, rotations).  See how these concepts have been applied to the artwork of our students.

Equinox celebrates Dot Day!

Third and Fourth graders in Equinox House celebrate Dot Day by creating herds of elephants that celebrate what is unique about ourselves.

What did I do over the summer?

My family and I shared a great experience this summer traveling through China.  We had an amazing trip!  Here is glimpse of what we did.. :)  Mrs. Baker

Toy Hacking: because your toy is more fun on the inside!

On Wednesday, July 30, 2014 Dorothy Alling Memorial Library

was host to another awesome Maker Space workshop that took toys apart to make new ones!  

Check out the movie to catch some of the fun.

E-Textiles: Make It Glow!

Wednesday, July 23rd Dorothy Alling Memorial Library was host to a Maker Space workshop that allowed participants to sew LEDs into fabric and build simple circuits.  Students and adults explored the possibilities of embedding electronics in clothing and fabrics.

Check out the movie to catch some of the fun!

Kellogg's Catchy Cards is back in business!

Williston Central School 3^rd and 4^th grade entrepreneurs are back again.  These students have chosen the theme of “Vermont Landscapes” for this year’s cards.  This integrated unit blends reading, writing, math, science, social studies, and art into ONE incredible learning lesson, and the cards are now ready to go to the printers.  This project is in its 4^th year and has benefitted the Vermont Wildlife Rescue Association, the Humane Society of Chittenden County, and the Vermont Children’s Hospital.  This year, all proceeds will directly benefit Therapy Dogs of Vermont.  You can see student artwork, read their persuasive essays, and order cards online by visiting tinyurl.com/kelloggscatchycards.   

Cards will be for sale at the Williston Farmers Market on Wednesday, June 4^th and Adams Farm Market on Saturday, June 7^th.   

For more information, please contact Michael Kellogg at mkellogg@cssu.org. 

 

VT Birds... an integrated Art, Science, Social Studies, and Literature uint

Check out  a quick movie on this wonderful integrated unit on Vermont Birds.
Many thanks to Vermont Bird Museum (www.vermontbirdmuseum.org) and to Kaleidoscope, Equinox, and Mosaic teachers for collaborating with me on this!

Vermont Public Radio Interviews Art Teacher on Money Smart Week Program

Vermont Public Radio did a 40-minute program on Money Smart Week (April 5-12) for Vermont Edition. MC Baker, the art educator at Williston Central, was on the program and talked about her work with the Be Money Wise Financial Literacy Poster Contest. 

Here’s a link to the program page.

http://digital.vpr.net/post/how-can-young-vermonters-become-more-financially-savvy?utm_source=Vermont%20Public%20Radio&utm_campaign=7c144415a7-VPR_News_Link_04_07_144_7_2014&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_09c24b4034-7c144415a7-26371493

SAVE THE DATE!

"Wings of Clay" Bird Ornaments Exhibit: Opening Reception

When: Sun, May 11, 12pm – 4pm

Join us to celebrate original ceramic bird art by students of Williston Central School!  All visitors welcome to explore details about the birds, admire the art, and support art for all ages.  This art project has combined science, literature, and art in an effort to make a special connection between our students and their community.  The Mother's Day event will be a great way for everyone to spend time togehter in our beautiful, natural surroundings and learn more about the birds found in our area.

 Ornaments will be for sale ($5 or donation) as part of our Bridges to Birds fundraising; these delightful pieces will contribute directly to the VT Bird Museum's walkway and "treehouse" space. Information about these projects will be available at our Mother's Day reception. Thanks to ALL WCS 3rd and 4th graders, their teachers, and The Vermont Bird museum for being a part of this integrated learning experience!

 

Celebrating Chinese New Year!

 3rd and 4th graders celebrate Chinese New Year.

The  "Bi" (circle), a Chinese symbol of sky. 

Students also learn about

the art vocabulary word…

MEDIA

(stuff you make art with!)
WCS students had their choice of different media and also completed a writing piece wishing other students to “Bi” all they can be in the new year.  

Wassily Kandinski and Josef Albers

Third and Fourth graders learned about Wassily Kandinski and Josef Albers in the Art Room.  In the Library, they read the book "An Eye For Color" (a book about Albers) with Ms. Hennig.  In the corridors of WCS there are beautiful murals inspired by the artists.

"Actualizing Art, Forming Friendships, and Creating Community"... an art show!

 

Art teachers Tina Logan and MC Baker have collaborated across schools, bringing multi-cultural art education and a sense of community between their two sets of students.  

Middle school students at Albert D. Lawton Intermediate school are displaying their sculptures inspired by Mexican oaxacan animals while 3^rd and 4^th graders from Williston Central School display their paintings inspired by Mexican Amate Bark Paintings.

Student art will be displayed at Brownell Library (Essex Junction), the Dorothy Alling Memorial Library (Williston), and in the halls of both Albert D. Lawton Intermediate and Williston Central School for the month of February. 

Welcome back Voyager!

Voyager House has new signage!!

Artist   Statement

Stand tall and proud Voyager!  J  I love trees.  Their strength, beauty, and connection to nature really inspires me.  I hope this new sign will in turn inspire you in all that you do.  Your new sign was created on stretched canvas panels using acrylic paint and gel mediums.  To me, the four birch trees in the main sign symbolize your four core teachers.  The group of trees are intertwined to symbolize how learning is a collaborative process.  The fingerprints are yours.  Just like fingerprints are unique to each person, YOU are what makes Voyager unique.  The colors in the landscape symbolize to me the wonderful, colorful journey that WCS is preparing you for.

Voyager’s mission statement is, “one step in a world of discovery”.  My hope for you is that your future be filled

with a rainbow of experiences.

Each teacher’s classroom also has a framed landscape outside his/her space.  To me, this brings a sense of place to your house.  Any visitor will immediately know where to go.

Many many thanks to John Lentine for the countless hours it took to hand make the six frames that complete this project.  Jeff Boomhower and John spent many hours over the school break hanging the six frames in anticipation of your return to school.  I also appreciate the energy and enthusiasm of Ms.Q and Ms. Wesnak  who spearheaded this project back in August.  If they had not ripped down your old felt sign, given me their permission, encouragement, and enthusiasm, this project would never have come to fruition.

XO,  Mrs. Baker

ART SHOW at DAL

For the month of January, I will have some of my latest creations on display at the Dorothy Alling Library right here in Williston.  Please stop by and see some fused glass and paintings in the display case right outside of the youth library.

I will also be offering a free art class ("Recycled Paper Sculptures") after school on Monday, January 27th at the library.  Registration is required so call the library today at 878-4918.