ECMS advanced art students kicked off the first day of school with a creative challenge requiring them to use found items in their backpacks to design a portrait.
This collaborative process encouraged problem solving and teamwork while also helping to establish our classroom community. Students had only 15 minutes to plunder through their various school supplies and soon realized that art can be created from the most ordinary items when it is in the hands of those with imagination and perseverance.
After a gallery walk and artist reflection, students gathered up their temporary masterpieces with a greater appreciation for not only found art, but also newfound friends.
#ArtsinEd #Teamwork #ArtinEverything

The Freeport Middle School Art Department created works of art to honor Patriot Day, the annual observance on September 11 to remember those who were injured or died during the terrorist attacks in the United States on September 11, 2001.  The art students also wrote personal reflections of how they feel or think each year on Patriot Day.  Every student in the school participated in creating a remembrance chain by making individual links that were used to finish the memorial displays.  

Chris Hollyfield, the founder of 3D T.E.A.M., spoke to students at West DeFuniak Elementary about bullying. Chris Hollyfield is a motivational speaker, actor, and business owner. You may also know him as “Little Boogeyman” on WWE Smack Down. “Measuring 4-foot-4, he is perceived as an undersized man in an oversized world, and maximizes his visual difference to help students recognize, and avoid, teasing and bullying among their peers.”

During his anti-bullying presentation, Chris spoke to the students about respect for others, respect for yourself, and self-determination. He related these topics back to his personal struggles and encouraged students that despite the physical, mental, and emotional challenges they may face, anything is possible with a positive perspective.