Awakening Learning

 As I noted at our Education Forum, we are well placed with quality teachers to move the learning agenda forward.  Indeed, those who were present might recall Sir Ken Robinson sharing his belief that schools should awaken students, enliven live.  He further states, that few areas enable this "awakening" more than the arts. 

Recently, our smallest school, Lake Kathlyn Elementary, dedicated a day to Dr. Seuss. Students and staff embraced the idea, and engagement was through the roof. They had Whos, Hortons, Cats in Hats, and Things One and Two, as the school community celebrated learning.

Similarly, at Silverthorne Elementary, Ms. Jennifer Moroz's class put on a dinner theatre event as part of students demonstration of their understanding of the gold rush.  Beyond being a wonderful community event, the remarkable breadth of learning outcomes touched on through the students dramatic involvement was remarkable.  While they were acting, all students were also "mining" their own knowledge through their engagement.

The flurry of arts culminated with both secondary schools earning accolades at the Regional Drama Festival.  Following their performances the adjudicator provided immediate feedback for the performers, and all members from all schools celebrated their work together.

Beyond the wonderful performances, it is fascinating to watch the effort and commitment, outside of regular hours, the students the students put into their performances... and their learning.