2017 Spring Performance

May 19, 2017 by Leave a Comment

The Spring Performance was so peaceful and beautiful. The students created a beautiful program with the theme of “Pets.”  Susan and Giles of Asheville Contemporary Dance Theater helped them create and develop all the choreography and stories that were performed.  

The student art was also a correlated with the theme of pets. The set designs were based on the designs of totem poles created by the First Nations people of the Northwest. We discussed what totem or power animals were and what animals the students felt connection to.  They created beautiful images based on the Native American totem poles and animals. 







Thanks to all the teachers and staff of Francine Delany who support these students with their kind, understanding hearts. A special thanks to Susan and Giles of the ACDT. Their connection with Francine Delany is strong and helps perpetuate an inspired and inspiring community always. Thank you Susan who will be taking a step away from teaching to focus more on the Asheville Contemporary Dance Theater but will still always be a supportive force.  

Filed Under: Specialists 2016-17, Uncategorized, Whole School Gatherings

Totem animals for Spring Performance: Art and Movement

April 21, 2017 by Leave a Comment

In Art we watched a video that tells about the First Nations of the Northwest and their totem poles. We learned that totem poles are created to keep records of families as well as telling stories. We also dicussed totem animals also known as power animals. These animals are animals someone feels connected to in some spiritual way for a variety reasons. Students discussed what animals they felt connected to and designed their own totem animals. We will be using these in connection to our Spring Performance this year which has a “Pets” theme.  Our totem animals will become totem poles to decorate our stage for the performance. Giles and Susan have working with our students to come up with the story and choreography for he Spring Performance. I can’t wait to see the program. Great creating  students!

Filed Under: Specialists 2016-17, Whole School Gatherings

Greenworks Environmental 101 with Christine

March 31, 2017 by Leave a Comment


In Greenworks we measured a Northern red oak at its trunk and plugged in this number to tree benefits.com and found out that it’s worth $150 per year in annual benefits and will conserve 250 kilowatt hours of energy. It will also reduce 431 lbs of carbon per year just to name a few of the “tree benefits.”

Filed Under: Electives 2016-17

Electives Fair: Session 2 Electives

March 10, 2017 by Leave a Comment

SPOKEN WORD AND POETRY(pictured above)

In the Elective Fair the Spoken Word and Poetry class had an amazing presentation. They shared some great poetry and told everyone about some the poetry and spoken word concepts that they learned about. 
COMPOSITION ART 

The Composition Art Elective with Jennie Wing had some beautiful creations on display. They learned specifically about the concept of composition which is the placement of the subject matter in a piece of art. In this class it was specifically about how the mixed media and found objects are placed in a diorama and or sculpture to create visual interest. Strong composition is a key component to the formula for creating great and visually interesting art.

STEAM

In the STEAM Elective with Ashley the students created a Rube Goldberg Machine. In case you don’t know a Rube Golgberg machine is a contraption, invention, device, or apparatus that uses a chain reaction to accomplish a very simple task in a complicated manner. In this machine the students used a series simple machines (i.e. Pulleys, ramps, wedges, wheel and axle,etc) to pop a balloon. It took a couple tries but it was an effective ballon popper.  Students learned many STEAM concepts to create this masterpiece of engineering. Great job friends.
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WILDERNESS SURVIVAL

The Wilderness Survival Elective with Coach Craig taught about the many different survival concepts. First and foremost” don’t panic.” Coach Craig also taught different types of knots as well as structures that can be built for shelter. Students learned many different survival hacks that could be used if the need ever arose.

PICTURE THAT DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPHY

Picture that Digital Photraphy Elective had many great photos to share. Teacher Bruce had students looking for shots that covered a wide range of topics. Some of the topics were pictures of sky, animals, minimal info and a few others. We got to see many beautiful photos.
​​MODERN DANCE 5th and 6th GRADE

In the Modern Dance Elective Melissa the dance instructor created some original choreography.  Melissa gave each group of students a great deal of freedom to create. She does a great job of creating a fun and safe environment in which to allow students to express themselves. Her class facilitation allows for a beautifully choreographed piece of work that allows the students to take full ownership of their creation.

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Filed Under: Electives 2016-17, Uncategorized

STEAM ELECTIVE w/Ashley

February 18, 2017 by Leave a Comment

In the STEAM Elective Ashley and her students designed boats using foam core, Popsicle sticks, tape, string and plastic spoons. They tested them out to see which designs we’re most practical and could hold the most weight using golf balls. Exciting experiments! They discussed what designs had potential as well as their flaws. They also discussed materials and process.  Critical thinking anyone? Great job STEAM Elective.

Filed Under: Electives 2016-17

Modern Dance w/Melissa and Electives Fair info

February 17, 2017 by Leave a Comment

This week in Modern Dance with Melissa Wilhoit of Terpsicorps Dance Academy our students got to travel to the Terpsicorps studio to rehearse their piece for the Electives Fair. The Electives Fair will be held Friday February 24 from 1:20-2:20. It is our celebration where our students and teachers showcase what they’ve learned in their Session 2 Electives. We are very excited to see their presentations. Good luck friends.

Filed Under: Electives 2016-17

Spoken Word and Poerty with Melody

January 27, 2017 by Leave a Comment

We had Jonathon Santos local musician, artist, and poet visit our class to help Melody talk about spoken word poetry.  He told the students about his influences and how he creates and generates ideas for poetry. Some students tend to work better with structure while others tend to be more free flowing. We are excited for some great poetry.

Filed Under: Electives 2016-17

Music Special with Mr. Sean

January 25, 2017 by Leave a Comment

In Music 3rd, 4th and 5th grades are learning cords on ukulele. Sounds so nice. It was little tricky and frustrating for some but it felt good when we finally got it. We are very excited for our new instruments.

Filed Under: Specialists 2016-17

Picture That Digital Photogrph Elective with Bruce

January 20, 2017 by Leave a Comment

Bruce and his class have discussed taking images that highlight the concept of color. The’ve also discussed the concepts of time, aperture, and light. They talked about how to add light and how the lack of light is the cause of blurry images. Some ways to add light are by turning on lights, opening blinds, or using the flash. Excited to share some photos soon.

Filed Under: Electives 2016-17

Spoken Word and Poetry

January 20, 2017 by Leave a Comment

In Spoken Word and Poetry Elective Melody’s students discussed keeping a dream journal. Students shared some of their dreams and ideas. They are also writing a poem that is an ode to a personal hero or idea.  They have so many great ideas.

Filed Under: Electives 2016-17
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