By Crystal Hayduk
Elementary art teacher Penny Olsen, supported by teacher Janet Alford and assisted by students representing kindergarten through fifth grade, presented information about the art program to the Chelsea School District Board of Education at their meeting on April 20.
“These students are [going to tell us] how their own original artwork connects them to their family, friends, school and community in an ever-expanding understanding of the beauty in this world,” said Olsen. She explained that students’ stories are told visually through a variety of media in the pieces displayed at the Art Extravaganza, a school district art show at the Washington Street Education Center running through May 1.
Seven students had the opportunity to stand before the board in a “show and tell” format with their artwork and describe what inspires them or why they enjoy art. The students included Zack Tropea, Kaydee Absher, Caitlyn Ash, Katelyn Jedele, Jeffrey Dunn, Natalie Roeser, and Ryan Martin.
Second grader Caitlyn Ash said, “I love art because it’s a new way to see the world and I can let my imagination run free.”
Fifth grader Ryan Martin said that art is his favorite subject. In addition to creating art, he also enjoys looking at pictures. Ryan gains inspiration from his uncle, who is an artist for the University of Michigan.
Olsen concluded the presentation by thanking the administrative team for their support of the art department’s “many ongoing curricular activities.”
In other board news:
The board approved updates to the elementary science and high school math curriculum ($101,948.11), technology updates at South Meadows ($391,053), a bid to Wade-Trim for a community center feasibility study ($24,600), and a bid to Daktronics for the stadium scoreboard ($129,575).
The board approved the robotics club field trip request to attend the national competition in St. Louis from April 22-25.
In CHS Principal Mike Kapolka’s written report to the board, he noted that the top five scholars, based on the MME exam and grade point average in core classes, will be recognized at the SEC All-Academic luncheon. They are Katie Dewyer, Artemis Eyster, Hannah Heberle-Rose, Nolan Peterson, and Lauren Hirth.
- Upcoming dates:
- Public forum about Proposal 1 will be April 30 at 7 p.m. in the McKune Room of the Chelsea District Library, 221 South Main St. Expected guest speakers include state representatives Gretchen Driskell and Adam Zemke; and WISD Superintendent Scott Menzel.
- The next school board meeting will be May 4 at 6:30 p.m. in the library at North Creek Elementary School, 699 McKinley St.
- There will be no school on May 25 in honor of Memorial Day.
