Pillar: Citizenship                                                                                            Learner Profile: Principled

We are so impressed with our students who showed Citizenship, our Pillar of the month, by donating books to our school library!  These students donated a number of books and a few of them are shown here.   They were aware that many of their classmates were anxious to be able to read these books and showed Citizenship by helping our school.  They also showed the learner profile of Principled,  by donating these very popular books they made a positive difference to our school and their classmates.  

Final Thoughts from Mr. Palacio - What a wonderful year we've had in the art room! We've explored, created, and grown together as artists. This year, we experimented with exciting new materials like Apple Pencils, 3-D pens, and even pottery wheels. Each of you brought curiosity, creativity, and courage into the studio, and I couldn’t be prouder of the work you’ve done.

As we look ahead, I’m excited to continue discovering new tools and materials with you. Remember—art isn’t just something we do in school. It's a way to express yourself, whether you're feeling happy, sad, or somewhere in between. Keep drawing, painting, building, and imagining all summer long.

Have a safe, joyful break—and don’t forget to be open-minded and a risk-taker in everything you do. I’ll see you next year, ready to make more art and more memories!

—Mr. Palacio 🎨

Celebrating Our Outstanding Young Artists

Each year, I have the privilege of recognizing the most exceptional art students from our 5th-grade graduating class and one standout Kindergartener. These students have demonstrated remarkable creativity, dedication, and growth in the art studio.

Congratulations to our 2025 Art Award recipients:

🎨 Josiah and Kourtney – 5th Grade
Both students have consistently gone above and beyond in their artistic exploration. Their passion and effort have earned them not only this award but also letters of recommendation and a special gift of art materials to support their continued journey as young artists.

🎨 Freddy – Kindergarten
At just five years old, Freddy exhibits a rare level of technical skill, imagination, and confidence in his art-making. He truly shows the potential to be the next Picasso, and we are excited to see where his talent takes him.

I am so proud of these students and all the young artists I’ve had the joy of teaching this year. Keep creating, keep exploring, and always stay open-minded and bold in your expression.

—Mr. Palacio 🎨

Students worked hard throughout the school year

Dear OWN2 Music Families,

What an incredible year of musical exploration we've shared! As we wrap up another fantastic school year, we're excited to celebrate the amazing musical moments and growth our students have experienced.

Musical Milestones This Year

- 🎵 Collaborative performances that brought our entire music community together

- 🌍 Cultural units exploring rhythms from around the world

- 🎤 Significant improvements in vocal techniques and instrumental skills

- 🎵 First ever OWN2 Talent Show

Memorable Moments

This year, our students discovered the power of music as a universal language. From our Winterfest program, to Black History Month show, Talent Show, International Day's multicultural performances, to our end-of-year promotion ceremonies songs, we witnessed incredible teamwork, creativity, and passion.

Summer Music Adventure Challenge! 🎸

Keep the music alive during summer break with these fun activities:

1. Family Sing-Along Nights: Create spontaneous music at home

2. Virtual Music Exploration: 

   - Learn a new instrument online

   - Explore music from different cultures via YouTube documentaries

3. Rhythm Challenge: Create homemade instruments using household items

4. Music Journaling: Write songs, lyrics, or musical reflections

Words of Encouragement

Music is more than just notes on a page – it's a way of expressing yourself, connecting with others, and finding joy. I encourage every student to keep exploring, listening, and creating music throughout the summer!

Quick Tips for Musical Summer Fun

- Listen to new genres of music

- Attend local music events

- Practice singing or playing for just 15 minutes a day

Thank You

A special thank you to our incredible students, supportive parents, and dedicated music staff who made this year extraordinary!

Musically yours,

Ms. Michalcik

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Stay Tuned for Next Year's Musical Adventures! 🎶