Well, Happy New Year Everyone!

I really feel like it already is a very happy new time for everybody. We had a restful break and it seems as though every child has a great story about being home and with their families.
Before the break the second graders completed an imaginary animal made from recycled items from home. Thanks to all who saved the landfill by sending in bottles, paper tubes, caps and boxes. We painted, printed and attached all sorts of materials to get these animals to roar, gnash and tweet. You have seen them gracing the front entry and students chose their faves to photograph themselves to show off here!
Look for more at ART Connections 2011 which is just around the corner in March.

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Through My Eyes!

“Through My Eyes” is another way to recognize a body of art done by very motivated students ON THEIR OWN!
We are proud of all our artists here at Jackson-Via especially when they come up with their own ideas. Many students ask for materials to take home, bring in two or three paintings or drawings or sculptures which are original and very thoughtful and they come up with by themselves. This year, to recognize them, we are exhibiting these creations in the art commons area on the bulletin board and naming them “ARTIST OF THE MONTH”!
For the month of Novemeber we are highlighting Iori, a 2nd grade artist who says, “I look at stuff, they give me ideas, then I write about it in my journal. Then it gives me ideas to draw or paint.” His favorite color is blue, “light blue is better”, he says.
His art is always fresh and colorful. He loves nature.

Pattern and designs with paint crayon.

Red and Green attract our eye.

Meet our Mascot

Last year we were blessed with our own little guy to draw. He is a hermit crab named, well, “DRAW”!
He teaches us to overcome our fears of the unknown by reaching out to let him tickle us, teaches us to be gentle souls and to be patient. Though Draw is too big for his shell, he still will not move into the bigger condo we have had built for him. We are all waiting for that day.

ART OUTSIDE THE BRICKS

Jackson-Via Elementary School has adopted our Moore’s Creek in our backyard.
That means that we are now the stewards of our water.
Twice a year we are in charge of cleaning it up with the help of the City of Charlottesville.

This fall the cleanup will take many steps to complete. This picture shows our first official clean-up crew.

We would like you to help with the fun! Drop us a note if you want to join the fun. Cleanup II is coming soon.
Look for our official “Adopt-A-Stream” sign. It will be posted outside our school soon.

The City of Charlottesville Department of Parks and Trails is hard at work with hundreds of volunteers to help make our trails clear and usable. Soon we will have a map to post and markers out in the forest to help you use the beautiful back yard here at J-Via.

Here are some photos from our first clean up!

The rest of the first team after 2 1/2 hours of hard work and fun!

Finally out of the art studio and up in the halls!

Bird by Diana

Today, after two snow days this week and one quite possibly tomorrow, we finally put up all the animals all over the school.

As you wander about, upstairs and down, I hope you can pick a favorite or two!

To me, each one has at least two special and beautiful qualities.

Each one is so unique.

I cannot choose a favorite because the marine creatures are so rich, the insects are beautifully detailed, the mammals are so life-like and look like they want to be picked up and the reptiles are scary and textured!

Go see if you can spot the multi-colored rainforest birds. I think I heard them chirping, madly over by the kindergarten area!

EnjoY.

Day to Day

Animal Habitats have been constructed all over our school’s lower level. Come on down and see the six habitats and the richly drawn animals who live here!

Research on the giant SmartBoard helped us see the details.