We are in the last week of classes. It is a time for wrapping things up, whether finishing a boat in the woodshop, rehearsing
The Man of La Mancha, or academic projects. Examples of the latter are evident across campus, as members of Lynne Kenney's World History classes are presenting reports on social challenges and episodes of genocide illustrated by highly personalized art installations. Here we are getting started.
The art projects are loaded with symbolic inflection, which each ninth grader explains to the entourage of peers and teachers who evaluate them. So, for example, this isolated flower garden surrounding rocks conveys the hope and desperation of The Lost Children of Uganda.
The role of the individual to create real social change in the face of established evil is a recurring theme. Jen--at left--talks about "rising above" the depravity of Nazi racism at a monument consisting of a ladder, a symbolic magnifying glass and string that courses down a hill like a fence.
The abstract nature of the art installations allows powerful cognitive and ethical connections to hit home. Students listen attentively.
On the topic of symbolism, the student activist group Triple I (International Intercultural Interaction) produced a complex skit in assembly underscoring the insidious nature of stereotyping. Cardboard boxes, representing specific generalities, were employed to build a wall of hate.
We were then invited to come forward and break down the wall.
Coincidentally, this was immediately followed by a highly emotional address by two German students, Insa and Niko, who wanted to acknowledge the anniversary of Victory in Europe Day, from their perspective. The key themes from the World History class presentations were enforced!
Today was Share Day at Andover Elementary & Middle School, and whole teams of local pre-teens were at Proctor learning tennis, making CD holders in woodshop, rock-climbing on the wall and throwing pots in the ceramics studio.
So soon, several of these boys and girls will be Proctor students, helping local kids on future Share Days. Proctor is fortunate to have a strong, working relationship with AE & MS! Below, Dave Pilla helps youngsters identify what animal skulls they're holding, based on the type of teeth, size of eye sockets, and other features.
I am the proud uncle of a successful junior named Amanda. It is a pleasure to observe her college preparation, or whatever this is:
Jason studies a microcosm of Proctor Pond. Symbolism!
