Every week is Spirit Week in Sue’s class; thanks so much for supporting her in this wonderful work to keep art alive in schools. We are already seeing some beautiful results from your help. Jon

It’s spirit week, and the kids have been having a great time. We are a uniform school, so they really enjoy the chance to dress differently. Each day has been based on a theme. We had pink day in support of breast cancer, and yesterday was character day. I wore my Lilo and Stitch pajamas for about half an hour until a student stained her outfit and was sent to the building’s known master of stain removal for help.

 Sometimes I tell the kids that I got an A in stain removal in teacher school, and they look at me like that’s real. We got the stains out, but her clothes were soaked, so I gave her the pj’s and had clothes for last night’s open house anyway. She did me a favor, actually, because I was far too warm in the fleece!

Whenever we have new people in the building, as we did at last night’s open house, they are amazed by the number of opportunities available in the art room. I explain the generosity of Jon, Maria, and the members of the Army of Good, and folks commonly say that the pure goodness is inspiring.

The students love working on mannequin heads that Karen sent last week. It’s amazing to watch them take totally separate approaches. Jada has been adding to hers all week, and it has taken on a Great Gatsby-like aura.

She’s very proud of it, as she should be.

Emya has started working on a beach with turtles (and soon-to-be flamingos), made from painted bottle caps and pin backs. Someone sent me this idea a while back, and I thank everyone who sent caps our way.  It’s a cute idea, and the kids are having fun with it.

Eighth-grade Hailey has been working on an ice cream plate for two weeks at art club. She built all the items from cardboard, mattress foam, stuffing, and other materials. I love how proud she is of what she’s created. She’s new to the school this year, and she wants to try every project she sees!

Liam is also in eighth grade, and in class we’ve been learning about designing with textures. I found a nice little drawing lesson online a few years ago. Liam is a dream art student who locks in on every project and consistently produces exceptional work.

Tashauna painted a lovely meadow with a swing. It’s one of those paintings I just sit and look at while I work at my desk. I want to find that place and go there.

The Kathy box was a Halloween spectacular this week, and the students loved it! Such spoiled kids they are!

Thank you to Pat from NJ for the warm winter clothing and pajamas, the jewelry, and the much-appreciated funds to help with anything we need!

The forecast for this weekend calls for mid-40s temperatures, so warm clothing is a real help!

Thank you to whoever sent the box of pinecones! The smell alone is fabulous!

We couldn’t find a name to thank!

I am still looking for bottle caps, watch parts, and jewelry. Of course, we always appreciate art supplies of any sort and healthy snacks for hungry kids!

We appreciate everything the Army of Good does to brighten our days. Students love to hear from you!

The work at Proctors Theatre of Schenectady is on display for just a few more weeks, so if you’re local and get a chance, pop in to see it! This is the third year they have been so kind and supportive of our program, and we are beyond grateful. If you are in the area, they’re at 432 State St., Schenectady, NY 12305. Thank you, Kelly Auricchio, for your constant support.

The address is: ND-BG, 2600 Albany Street, Schenectady, New York 12304

I love hearing from you. My email is [email protected].

Have a blessed day!

Sue