VINALHAVEN SCHOOL ENRICHMENT 08-09
In 2007, by a unanimous decision of the board, PIE welcomed the Vinalhaven School Enrichment committee (VSE) as part of our ongoing quest to serve our island kids. VSE has anextraordinary history of adding integrated programs to the classes at all gradelevels. From art and writing residencies, a poetry festival, inter-island collaborative events and much more, VSEC has enhanced the education of our children since 1999. Here's a look at what VSE will be funding this year!
Click here to see last year's VSE programs
Author and Illustrator Series
With funding from a grant from the Maine Humanities Council, Island Readers and Writers, and other sources, the following authors and illustrators have been invited to the Vinalhaven School this year: Each visit will include school workshop and a community presentation or discussion.
Read below for more information on each author/illustrator. Click on each author's name to view their website.
Dates of Visit: Sept 11 and 12
Worked with grades 7&8
Edie Hemingway is currently writing a new novel placed on Vinalhaven and asked to come interview middle school students as research for her book. In exchange she gave a creative writing workshop entitled "Building a Historical World."
Dates of Visit: Oct 14 &15
Worked with grades 5-8
Each year 5th graders rear Rodman Philbrick's novel "The Young Man and the Sea." As part of the unit, they write letters to Mr. Philbrick, who always responds! Now they get to meet this Maine author in person!
Dates of Visit: Nov. 13&14
Worked with grades 3-12
Jay Piscopo is a graphic novel artist who has been creating the new Capt'n Eli series for Capt'n Eli rootbeer. His workshops are very hands-on and every student had an opportunity to draw and create. He also has a math curriculum for grades 3 & 4 and a card game!
Dates of visit: January 21 & 22
Working with grades k-4
Illustrator Jeannie Brett will visit our school in a collaborative effort with Island Readers and Writers. She will create unique alphabet books with the students..
Stephen Callahan
Dates of Visit: March 17 & 18
Working with grades 9-12
Stephen Callahan's book "Adrift" which is based on his experience being lost at sea for 72 days, was on the bestseller list for 6 week!
Dates of visit: Spring 2009
Working with grades 6-12
Following Linda's address to the students at the 2008 Vinalhaven School graduation, we are eager to have her in the classroom to discuss her writing with students.
Dates of visit: April 13 & 14
Working with grades k-5
Paul Janeczko is back by populat demand! He will work with elementary school students for our annual Poetry Festival.
Art for the Sky
From September 29 until October 2, artist Daniel Dancer was at the Vinalhaven School to create a unique lobster design that was created on the school playing field using all 193 student bodies in grades k-12 as well as staff and community members. Wearing blue and black shirts and using other materials such as tarp, seaweed and rope, Daniel Dancer will worked with students to create the image that was photographed from a bucket truck, over 65 feet high.
Funded in part by a grant from the Island Institute
To learn more visit www.artforthesky.com
Click here to see merchandise for sale with the image!
A Visit with Students from Ecuador
Twice in the past 7 years, Vinalhaven School has received a visit from students from Ecuador. Another group will visit us October 7th and 8th. They will present to the elementary students about their culture and art and meet with the middle school and High School World History classes.
An evening event will be held at the ARC on the 8th.
Songwriting and Recording residency with Rick Charette
March 2009
With funding from the Maine Arts Commission we are very excited about this upcoming integrated arts program.
Part 1-Students in grades k-5 will interview representatives of local non-profit organizations to learn more about their island community.
Part 2-Songwriter Rick Charette will come to Vinalhaven Schoo for a residency during which grades k-5 will write their own songs based on what they learned in part 1.
Part 3-Roy Clark of Pine Point Recording studio will work with Middle School music students on audio recording and together they will record the songs writen and sung by grades k-5.
Part 4-Graphic designer Carl Haas will work with High School art students to design the cover of the CD.
While here, Rick Charette will perform a concert for the community of his popular children's songs.
Click here to learn more about Rick Charette.
Vinalhaven School Poetry Festival 2009
Vinalhaven School Enrichment will host the 4th annual all-school Poetry Festival this April.
Stay tuned for more information!
Afterschool Program
Meredith Richards, our Performing Arts teacher will be organizing after school programs for grades k-12. These programs will be overseen by the VSE Committee.
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VSE COMMITTEE
Heather White
Erica Hansen
Robb Warren
Karen Burns
Ann Osgood
Meredith Richards
Michelle Wiley-Arey
Sue Dempster
Alice Bissell
Margaret Qualey
Read the Working Waterfront Article on VSE
For teachers and staff: