LEAPS of IMAGINATION Thinking through Art
Nancy Frohlic, founder of LEAPS was our speaker. Learning in a context in which teacher and student become passionate about learning, and learning in a collaborative setting supported that. Shared her 2nd grade experience as a teacher and later as school administrator. Teaching is the opportunity to change a child's life, and help them see that they can make the world a better place. She worked in impoverished schools to create learning spaces where children could use their imaginations and build upon the established curricula, including Vinalhaven, using art to teach children to collaborate, think deeply, take risks and appreciate the beauty of the earth.
Upon retirement and moving to Maine from Boston, she used her passion to take action. Her early career involved using ancient Greek culture and art in elementary school. She worked then for 17 years as Head of School on Beacon Hill in a diversely populated elementary school.When she came to Maine she had not set foot in a public school for many years. She went to Thomaston's Laura Libby school and proposed LEAPS of Imagination to integrate the arts, expand arts education, improve thinking skills. The underlying theme is environmental sustainability and social justice. the method involves journaling. They investigate nature, do artwork and express what is meaningful to them and their passions, connecting self to nature. They have also had the program at the St. George school. They involve the artistic process of critique to learn about feedback. Cushing Community School is another place where LEAPS has had programs. Funding comes from places like the Davis Family Foundation, RSU 13, St. George, Partners in Education for Vinalhaven, about 50% from public schools. A group of 2nd and 4th graders recently visited the Langlais Sculpture Garden in Cushing in a day-long field trip. The program is in its 5th year in 4 schools, 5 programs a year, and continue to feel strongly that they are changing children's lives and shared examples of the art and what the children said about their experiences.
She brought some examples of the artwork created and there is a blog at leapsofimagination.wordpress.
Jim Potter shared the scholarship awards make this year, three will be invited to come speak at the holidays, and several other scholarships were awarded from two other trusts for which the clubs serves as selection committee.
Special Olympics at CHRS had about 15 West Bay Rotarians and about 1500 participants on a beautiful day last Friday.
Etienne recognized EREY donors, for their annual $100 gift to the Rotary Foundation.
Mary Sargent reported on the District Conference recently held and the club got recognition. It was a 5 District meeting. The club was recognized by with the Rotary Foundation Award, 3rd place in the district for per capita giving to the Foundation, participation in End Polio Now, Gold Citation from the DG for dedication to Rotary International.
Mark Coursey had scheduled painting of lamposts on Saturday which is now being postponed until after the Duck Derby.
Peter Berke reminded us that the Derby is Saturday the 26th at 11:30a, and he has a few volunteer slots open for the day of the event.
Joan Lemole reminded us of the Mexican Dinner on Thursday the 24th at the Penobscot School, let her know if you want to go. Deadline is Monday, More information at www. Penobscot.us under cultural events.
Susan Dorr announced a meeting next Tuesday morning of the International Committee.
Next week's speaker is Tom Rodman, McLean Cottage.