From the President
Dear Families and Friends of SCAPA,
Ah, will spring ever arrive? The ice and snow have impeded our progress a bit, but, as always, SCAPA excels in meeting the challenges of changing conditions, postponements, and reschedulings.
While several key, experienced FOAS leaders are managing our upcoming productions and planning for next year’s productions, we need some new leadership to emerge at the elementary and middle school level. For example, please contact me if you are interested in serving on the Teacher Grants’ Committee. This is a good way to become familiar with one of the main financial support activities of FOAS. SCAPA Teachers and Staff have been invited to submit funding requests by February 13th and I am in the process of recruiting the Committee and setting the meeting where all grant requests will be reviewed and decisions made.
We also have a critical need to complete the cataloging process for our costume inventory so that we can move the costumes out of SCAPA. Please consider volunteering for this project once a date is set for that work.
And, lastly, please consider assuming one of the leadership roles in FOAS for 2009-2010. If you have a particular interest in a particular officer position, please let me know as I plan to develop the new proposed slate of officers earlier than usual this spring.
Looking forward to getting the kids back in school!
Kathy Warnecke Ryan
February 2009
Table of Contents
- From the President
- From the Principals
- Calendar of Upcoming Events
- Announcements and Reminders
- Recent Events
- SCAPA Spotlights
- Academic News
- Arts News
- Club and Team News
- Alumni News
- The Art of Parenting
- Volunteer Opportunities
- FOAS Board Officers and Representatives
Friends of the Arts School Website
From the Principals
Bluegrass
Letter from Marilynn Cunningham
Dear SCAPA Families:
One of our school improvement goals is to enhance the relationships between parents and school staff. Ms. Waterbury-Tieman and I are available once a month, the third Tuesday of the month from 5:30 to 6:30. We want to know what is on your mind. What do we need to improve our connections? Please RSVP if you plan to attend at Marilynn.cunningham@fayette.kyschools.us or Carolyn.tieman@fayette.kyschools.us
Building relationships with parents and working with parents offers a base of support for our students to succeed. I am thankful to all our parents who take a lead role in making SCAPA Bluegrass a successful, high performing school. We have parents serving as officers in our Friends of the Arts FOAS. Every parent is automatically a member, but all parents do not choose to serve on the board. I am especially thankful for those parents who “step up to the plate” and become a leader. Do you want to become more involved or do you want to be a leader? You are invited to the FOAS meetings.
I am especially thankful for those parents who take a leadership role in our after school activities. We have a parent-led chess club, academic challenge teams and destination imagination teams. I watched the academic challenge teams at work last Saturday at the Principal’s Cup competition. They competed well and I was proud to be their principal. We didn’t bring home the cup, but we participated. That is what I find most important.
Would you like to volunteer in our classrooms? We have students who would like to have that extra assistance. Would you like to volunteer at the front desk? We have staff members and parents who like another person to assist with the front-office issues. Where do you want to become involved? Let us know, we will connect you to the right place.
I know many of you are working and have younger siblings at home. This keeps you from coming to school. The “Lines and Notes” publication is to keep you informed. We have many group emails that should assist you in staying up to date with the school plans and the changes of the plans. We send back pack letters home to those who prefer hard copies to the email communication. Actually, some of you have let me know that you are receiving too much information. For this, I apologize. However, I would rather you push the delete button and recycle the back pack letter than to “not know what is going on with your student.”
On February 13, 2009, we are having the “Young at Heart” play big band music for our students during their lunch. Please bring a brown bag and come join us. We would love to have you. Arrive between 10:55 -- 11:23 for middle school lunch and 11:30 – 12:00 from elementary lunch. Stay connected!
Keep the Arts in our Hearts.
Marilynn Cunningham, Principal
If you need help as a parent, remember, I am an email (marilynn.cunningham@fayette.kyschools.us) or phone call (859) 381-3332 away. Don’t hesitate to contact me. If we work together, it offers a structure within which your student may accomplish great things.
Lafayette
Letter from Vicki Ritchie
Dear Friends of the Arts,
As we move into February, we are constantly on alert for winter weather. We already have two SNOW DAYS (December 16 and January 16) rescheduled for students and staff. Students are expected to be in attendance on February 13th (A-day) and March 6th (B-day). As additional snow days are rescheduled into the calendar, we will advertise those on our website and include that information in later newsletters.
Also, we are gearing up for the ACT exam for all juniors on March 10. Junior students have access to a web site which can help them (and their parents) prepare for the test. The information for this tool is available on our school website. Please do not hesitate to call our counseling office if you have additional questions.
Senior students should be working on polishing their writing pieces for their portfolio. English teachers are working with students who would like extra help after school in the computer labs. We encourage seniors to avoid procrastinating on this major endeavor!
Have a wonderful Valentine’s Day!
Sincerely,
Vicki Ritchie
(Please check the SCAPA website regularly for updates)
- Thursday, February 5 - Saturday, February 7, KMEA, Louisville , KY.
- Thursday, February 5, 10am, Bluegrass SCAPA attending Dance SCAPA
- Friday, February 6 and Saturday, February 7, 8pm, Dance SCAPA, Lexington Opera House
- Wednesday, February 11, 10am-7pm, Arts Advocacy Day, Frankfort
- Wednesday, February 11, 5:30pm, 6th Grade Orientation, Bluegrass SCAPA
- Thursday, February 12, 7-8pm, Lafayette Band Orientation, Lafayette HS
- Friday, February 13, Snow Make-Up Day, There will be school on this day!
- Friday, February 13, 11am-Noon, Young at Heart Band performing in the MPR
- Friday, February 13, 7pm, SCAPA Bluegrass Band students performing at The Singletary Center before the Master Classics concert
- Monday, February 16, Presidents' Day, No School
- Tuesday, February 17, 5:30pm, Family-School Conversations, Helm Hall (Please RSVP if you plan to attend to Carolyn Waterbury-Tieman, carolyn.tieman@fayette.kyschools.us )
- Tuesday, February 17, 6:30pm, FOAS Meeting, Bluegrass SCAPA Library
- Saturday, February 21, KMEA Band Solo/Ensemble Festival, Lexington Catholic
- Thursday, February 26-Saturday, February 28, Mill Girls, Downtown Arts Center
- Friday, February 27, 10am, 5th Grade attending Mill Girls
- Friday, February 27, Noon, 8th Grade attending Mill Girls
- Saturday, February 28, Vocal Solo and Ensemble Festival, Scott County.
- Friday, March 6, Snow make up day, There will be school on this day!
- Friday, March 6-Sunday, March 8, 8th Grade Trip to Atlanta
- Tuesday, March 10, 7pm, Fayette County Elementary Choral Festival, Singletary Center
- Thursday, March 12, 6:30pm, Strings KMEA Preview Concert
- Tuesday, March 17, 5:30pm Family/School Conversations, (Please RSVP if you plan to attend, carolyn.tieman@fayette.kyschools.us), Helm Hall
- Tuesday, March 17, 6:30pm, FOAS Meeting, Bluegrass SCAPA Library
- Tuesday, March 24, 5th Grade String Day, UK Student Center
- Thursday, March 26-Saturday, March 28, Fiddler on the Roof, Lexington Opera House
- Friday, March 27, 10am, Bluegrass SCAPA attending Fiddler on the Roof
Dance SCAPA 2009 at The Lexington Opera House
Celebrate the art of dance! You won’t want to miss a step as these talented students, ages 9-18, demonstrate the styles and techniques of ballet, tap, jazz and modern dance as well as traditional dances from cultures around the world. Each performance is masterfully choreographed and accentuated with creative costuming and artistic lighting effects. There is no doubt, “SCAPA Can Dance!”
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Public Performances Friday, February 6 - 8:00pm Call 233-3535 to reserve your tickets! |
SCAPA Dance Majors
We especially want to recognize our graduating seniors on their last Dance SCAPA. Congratulations and best wishes for success as you dance into the next exciting chapter of your lives!
Ballet Majors: Christa Childers, Rachel McCord
Contemporary Majors: Caroline Clay, Ashley Kline, Emily Lee, Layne McDuffie, Hannah Miller
Bluegrass SCAPA presents Mill Girls at The Downtown Arts Center
During the American industrial revolution of the 1840s in New England many labor organizations used the Lowell System whereby young women and girls were employed in the factories and lived away from their homes. Meet Octavia, Hannah, and other girls from a variety of cultural backgrounds and witness their struggle to help their families make ends meet, pay for their brothers’ Harvard tuition, and save for dreams of attending college themselves. You won’t want to miss seeing this compelling story from our history come vividly to life.
Public Performances
- Thursday, February 26 - 7:00pm
- Friday, February 27 - 8:00pm
- Saturday, February 28 - 2:00pm and 8:00pm
Call 225-0370 to reserve your tickets!
Arts Advocacy Day 2009
February 11 at the Capitol in Frankfort
Come to Frankfort to support the Arts! With the current funding pressures on state government, elected officials are making tough choices right now. This year will be crucial to make sure that the arts are supported in Kentucky.
Who should come? Arts supporters, Artists, Arts administrators, Arts organization board members, and their friends
When and Where? February 11, 2009 at the Capitol building in Frankfort, starting at 10am.
Agenda for the Day:
- 10am Rally for the Arts in the Capitol Rotunda
- 11am to 2pm Meet with Legislators, Arts Council pictures for grant recipients
- 2pm to 5pm Arts Advocacy Seminar at Ky Transportation Cabinet Building C118
- Hear success strategies from other Ky grassroots groups
- Learn about successes and pitfalls from other states
- Ask retired legislators how to communicate the arts to them
5pm to 7pm Kentucky Arts Council-sponsored reception with legislators at Berry Hill Mansion in Frankfort
What can I do to prepare?
- Give this message to your friends, co-workers and other arts supporters - encourage the to come with you!
- Email Arts Kentucky (connect@artsky.org) or call 1-877-561-0701 to receive advance materials and register for the workshop.
- Visit www.artsky.org regularly for updates and materials
- Make an appointment to meet your legislator o the 11th (Arts Kentucky can help you).
- On Arts Day, wear bright blue and look for the Arts Kentucky "Welcome Wagon" when you park at the visitor's parking garage. We will give you helpful info for the day.
What good will it do?
A lot! Legislators are making tough choices about funding and arts education, and they need to know that their constituents care about both. Your presence will send a strong message that you care, and you vote!
The King and I
Congratulations to the following SCAPA students for being cast in Paragon Musical Theatre's production of "The King and I"!
- Glen Krebs as Louis Leonowens
- Jarod Frank as Prince ChululongkornAndrew Weimann
- Jamie HarvenerIsaac Hines-Williams and Sydney Prince as Royal Children
Other SCAPA connections include Alberta Labrillazo as Stage Manager, Ryan Shirar as Music Director and Diana Evans as Choreographer. You won't want to miss this production!
Friends of the Arts School (FOAS) Meetings
Mark you calendars for the meeting dates in 2008-09:
- August 19 - Meeting Minutes
- September 16 - Meeting Minutes
- October 21 - Meeting Minutes
- November 18 - Meeting Minutes
December 16- Cancelled- January 20 - Meeting Minutes New
- February 17
- March 17
- April 21
- May 19
SCAPA's Science Fair
Congratulations to these 7th grade students who won awards at SCAPA's science fair. Best of luck to those who move on to the District competition!
- Robert Wendroth, Medallion, Spinning Blades of Glory
- Aly Ackerman, Blue Ribbon, Which Over the Counter Medicine Increases a Daphnia's Heart Rate the Most?
- Will Lovan, Blue Ribbon, The Effect of Pitching Motions on the Velocity of the Ball
- Connor VanMeter, Red Ribbon, Ready, Set, Drive
- Sarah Spires, Red Ribbon, Double Trouble
- Kirk Hardy, White Ribbon, The Effect of Parabolic Reflectors on Wireless Internet Strength and Speed
- Mitchell Kilgore, White Ribbon, The Properties of Filtering Light
- Bay Phillips, Honorable Mention, Testing the 'Five Second Rule'
Congratulations to the following 4th Grade Science Fair Winners. They are all invited to participate in the Fayette Co. district fair, Saturday, Feb. 7, at Bryan Station High School. Good luck!
Award |
Student Name |
Project Title |
Medallion |
Riley Bishop |
Does Wind Strength Change at Different Heights? |
Blue Ribbon |
Josephine Wendroth |
Skateboard for Sail |
Blue Ribbon |
Carson Crovo |
The Pendulum Swing |
Red Ribbon |
Clara Woods |
Memory, Age, and Gender |
Red Ribbon |
Maggie Thomas |
Two for Teabags |
White Ribbon |
Grace Shaftner |
Can Horses Tell the Difference? |
White Ribbon |
Ella Cunningham |
Would You Help a Stranger? |
White Ribbon |
Landon Feese |
Plants of Color |
African-American Ball
The following students provided the vocal music entertainment for the pre-event program of the 2009 African-American Ball on Saturday, January 17th: Hermann Bratcher, Jordan Luciano, Hannah Hetzel-Ebben, Hunter England, Kurtis Brown, Chapree Weathers, and Kate Heinonen. Thank you for representing SCAPA so well!
This section is reserved for recognizing accomplishments by SCAPA students, parents, faculty and staff. Please send arts accomplishments to Melissa Frank (melissa@melissavoiceover.com), academic accomplishments to Beth Poulton (bpoulton@insightbb.com) and anything else to Carolyn Waterbury-Tieman (carolyn.tieman@fayette.kyschools.us). Space limitations will determine how many we can include in any given month.
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William E. Schmidt Youth Vocal Competition Finalists |
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Submit information to Beth Poulton (bpoulton@insightbb.com)
Middle School Science
Ms. Randolph’s Classroom
Check out our classroom website that lists the weekly spelling words. This might come in handy if the book or pretest is accidentally left at home the night before the test.
Submit information to Melissa Frank (melissa@melissavoiceover.com)
Bluegrass
Art
Nothing submitted this month
Dance
Nothing submitted this month
Band
Nothing submitted this month
Creative Writing
Nothing submitted this month
Orchestra
Nothing submitted this month
Vocal
Nothing submitted this month
Drama
Nothing submitted this month
Video Production
Nothing submitted this month
Lafayette
Drama
Nothing submitted this month
Strings
Nothing submitted this month
Band
Vocal
Nothing submitted this month
Submit information to Beth Poulton (bpoulton@insightbb.com)
Bluegrass
Speech Team
Lafayette
Nothing submitted this month
- Nothing submitted this month
Submit information to Carolyn Waterbury-Tieman (carolyn.tieman@fayette.kyschools.us)
Parenting an Artist
Every child is an artist. The problem is how to remain an artist once he grows up. ~Pablo Picasso
Young children know they are artists. Give them a pencil and they will draw. Play music and they will dance and sing. Forget the music. They will dance and sing anyway. Give them an instrument and they will play you a tune, most likely an original composition. Children have no doubt of their artistic ability. They are uninhibited by social definitions of art and the evaluative process. They exhibit the fundamental human drive to create, to discover and to express themselves, to share what they have come to know, to tell their story. This is the purpose of art – to communicate.
Unfortunately, by the age of nine, the artist has been socialized out of many children. Perhaps, more accurately, they have learned to doubt or mistrust the artist within. They begin to believe, “I can’t do that. I don’t know how”, “I’m not good at that”, “That’s not for boys/girls.” However, for some children the desire to create is more powerful than social pressure to stifle their talents. For those of us parenting these children, there are steps we can take to insure that our young artists achieve their full potential.
Recognize your child’s gifts. If you have a child who wakes up singing; dances rather than walks; draws on every scrap of paper they find; can play a tune by ear; enjoys making up stories; and/or creates costumes and acts out scenes from books, plays or movies - chances are you have an artistically gifted child. Remember that these children are often talented in more than one area. Help them discover and explore all of their gifts.
Demonstrate your approval of and appreciation for their abilities. Provide them with the materials they need to create. Take the time to be an audience when they want to sing, dance or play for you. Display their artwork. Offer to write down their stories. Offer help with costumes or sets for one of their home productions. Let them know that you value what they are doing.
Look for opportunities that will motivate them to improve their skills. Arrange for classes and/or private lessons. (Look for a goodness of fit between your child and the instructor. You want instructors who see your child as a person, not just a performer.) Involve your child in school and/or community groups and activities. Take them to exhibits, performances and museums.
Emphasize the importance of discipline. Encourage your child to use their art to express themselves by providing outlets for their artistic energy, but make it clear when and where this is appropriate. Build practice into their daily routine. Set reasonable expectations based on their age.
Teach them to be their own best critic. Be an enthusiastic, but honest audience. Show appreciation for effort, recognize progress, but also identify areas for improvement. Avoid being either overly critical or overly complimentary. It is important for them to learn to discriminate between excellence and mediocrity in their work.
Avoid unnecessary competition. Encourage your child to strive for their best, not the best. There is no such thing as objectivity in art. It is by its very nature subjective.
Encourage them to share their gifts. Participating in the creative process enriches the life of the artist. Sharing that which has been created enriches the lives of others.
Support the arts. Become an advocate not only for your young artist, but for art in general. Research consistently demonstrates that participation in the arts improves everything from attitudes to academic performance to health and well-being. In short, art has the potential to bring out the best in us. Perhaps Terry Semel, chairman of Warner Brothers, said it best. “Kids who create don’t destroy.”
Reasoning, decision-making, creative and critical thinking, problem-solving, visualizing, communication and collaboration have all been identified as keys to success in the 21st century. Enhancement of these skills is a direct outcome of participation in the arts. When we nurture the artist in our children, we are investing in their future success.
Prior to her role as SCAPA Arts Facilitator, Carolyn Waterbury-Tieman was a Parent/Family Life Educator and licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. She was the author of The Parents’ Toolbox for The Lexington Family Magazine as well as Pastoral Parenting for the Church of the Resurrection newsletter.
Please be aware that a records check is required in order to participate in volunteer activities in the Fayette County School system.