Hello All,

Abbe, here!  These last four days have been truly inspiring.  My Creative Expression class has done some really introspective work, discussed real issues, and examined themselves in really thoughtful ways.  On top of the excellent excursions (last night's trip to the Pageant of the Masters was phenomenal) these students have been experiencing real connections with each other and focused self-discovery, which can be seen in many of the projects they have done in my class.

On Day #1 and #2 the students had to come up with fifty words that positively described themselves, then they went on to use this list to create self-portraits with words.  These self portraits turned out great, and we're so unique and individual. 

On Day #3 the students practiced writing personal poems using figurative language and distinct, concrete imagery.  We then created a beautiful collaborative poem, using excerpts from the students personal poems.

On Day #4 we had a truly inspiring conversation about "masks", or fake versions of themselves that they feel pressure to display in certain life situations.  To break free of these "masks" and celebrate the true person underneath, they created actual masks that represent pieces of themselves they like and are proud of. 

The students can't wait to show off all of these projects at the Parent Presentation tonight, so we'll see you there!

-Abbe