Congratulations to Sue and her students for another amazing year. Sue is always sad when her students move on, but the truth is, they never really leave her. They call her, visit her, thank her, and think of her as the one who changed their lives. And I wish to thank her, the Army of Good, and the many others who help so generously. Next year’s class will be three times bigger. Let’s stay with her. Thanks, Jon
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News from the Art Room – The Seniors’ Last Day
After teaching for nearly 30 years at different schools and different age levels,
I have seen so many kids grow up. Literally thousands of students over the years. It is always hard to say goodbye.
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This year, the senior class is full of bright, kind, and funny people who are all very close to one another and to the faculty and staff. It’s a small class, which happens sometimes. Next year’s class is three times the size of this class. Some of my favorite art students will be graduating. My group of boys, who created giant cake and ice cream sundae sculptures while wearing housecoats, and some of the girls who have produced so many lovely works of art all the time, will be moving on.
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I am thrilled for them and excited to watch them soar, but I will miss this group. They put their handprints on the wall so I can be reminded of them daily forever.
They still have some exams and lots of festivities in the next weeks, but they are done with classes.
Lots of art is still happening, though. Kailey painted a sweet landscape this week. She’s been painting chairs for a while and decided to work on canvas for a change.
Molly was at the art club yesterday and started playing with watercolor. She dipped her fingers in the paint and used salt as well. Molly has been growing as an artist by leaps and bounds this year. Her watercolors have a whimsical quality, almost like illustrations in children’s books.
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Chhayah and Naallyah finished their mixed-media creations featuring Piglet and Pooh Bear. I love those two; they give 1,000 percent to every art form they try.
In two weeks, we will be holding The Festival of the Arts here at school. It’s an annual event where talents are showcased. I set up a huge exhibit that takes up a good portion of the gym and the first floor. Kids love to see their work on display, and the families are welcome. I will be spending a lot of time tagging and sorting artwork!
The 9th-grade boys have made huge progress on their dresser project. They were sanding so hard yesterday that they were actually sweating. I bought them some coarse sandpaper over the weekend, and we made sanding blocks with scrap wood. They are already planning more projects for next year.
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Thank you to Marianna from PA. Marianna sent a box full of interesting items to spark curiosity!
A huge thank you to Kathleen for her donation to help with student tuition next year. Her generosity is simply amazing.
Another huge thank you to Karen, for the second time this year, Karen has donated to a fund that allows us to care for students who are in need. Life is getting financially tougher for all of us, and the needs are great.
The theme for the Kathy box this week was camping. The boxes are so fun, and this one was not disappointing. The kids really love the weekly boxes; there are always special treats for them, like socks, shirts, PJs, and so much more. Of course, special cookies are always a hit!
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We could not do what we do without the help of all of you! Thank you to everyone who supports our program or sends good thoughts our way! We are truly blessed!
Right now, our greatest needs are sandpaper and small glue sticks, but any art supplies are always appreciated!
Don’t forget the kids love your letters, and we will hang them in the room. Send us photos too!
The address is: NDBG 2600 Albany Street, Schenectady, New York 12304
I love hearing from you. My email is [email protected]
Have a blessed day!
Sue
ND-BG
2600 Albany Street
Schenectady, New York 12304