We have had the most beautiful weeks of weather. The blue in the sky against the yellows, oranges, and reds of the changing leaves is simply stunning. I asked the students to take some photos to paint next week.

The studio art class again for the win! This week, they are painting and drawing on the maps that many of you sent us! This class……they pull off some fantastic works of art. I said yesterday that I love to see students work on something and take photos of their work to show their friends and family. That spark of pride is such a reward for any teacher. No matter the subject, it is a great moment when a young person is proud of their work in class.

The older students are starting to work on painting the shutters. I am excited to see what they produce. The first steps for this project involve cleaning and repainting the shutters with a solid base coat. I shared some examples but have allowed them to design as they wish. We will see what happens.

Seeing how the students “compete” for the most creative idea is funny. We had a display yesterday evening for our school open house. A student came and said (featuring a huge grin),” I see you have my work on display up there. “I said, Of course, people are raving over it!” The open house had not started yet . He is a senior who came with me from Maginn when I came to NDBG and is honestly like one of my own children. It is hard to believe he will be off to college next year. Students become part of the fabric of the lives of teachers.

Lots of thank you notes this week!

Thank you to our local donors who dropped off winter coats, healthy snacks, and great Halloween things.

Thanks to Rick and Meg, who brought some excellent maps, some things for science, and some art supplies, which they purchased at a local small business. An art shop named Arlene’s in Colonie is nearby.

Thanks to Kathleen for the tablecloth fabrics and more.

Thanks again this week to Karen and Ken. They sent a fantastic box last week, and they special ordered blades for the mat cutter that arrived on Monday. They were so very kind.

I explained the art program at the open house last night, and people were amazed by the kindness of the Army of Good. I am often genuinely amazed at the depth of their empathy and compassion.

I am still seeking donations of everything you feel could be turned into art! Wire, gauze, plaster, shutters, glassware, paint, canvas, printing materials, maps, stamps, sandpaper, wood scraps, and all the other amazing things you can think of would be so helpful. If you are local and have smallish pieces of furniture you would like to see repurposed, we are always looking! The students love to make old things new! Holiday items are also great this time of year!

I love hearing from you. My email is [email protected] 

Have a blessed day!

Sue

ND-BG

2600 Albany Street

Schenectady, New York 12304