Check out this video highlighting 6th grade graffiti art. They were in the process of spray painting on a foam board to create their backgrounds for their graffiti name cutout. 

Check out the incredible artwork from our 6th, 7th, and 8th grade students!

• 6th Grade: The graffiti projects are complete and looking fantastic! 

• 7th Grade: After two weeks of hard work, the 7th graders have finished their one-page comic stories. Their creativity shines through.

• 8th Grade: The 8th grade teapot project is halfway done! Stay tuned for updates as they continue working on this exciting and intricate project. Progress will be posted soon!

The students got to combine creativity and practical skills by making tote bags with their digital designs. It’s amazing that they learned to use Canva for creating posters, which is a great way to introduce them to graphic design tools. Plus, the iron-on transfer technique must have been a fun way to see their designs come to life on fabric!

Parent Teacher Conference sign ups are now live on Parent Square!

Parent Teacher Conference starts on Wednesday, March 19, 2025, from 12:30 PM - 3:30 PM & 5:30 PM - 7:30 PM! 

We hope to see you there!

Photo Club Update: March 2025

As we near the end of the Photo Club season, we want to take a moment to celebrate the hard work and creativity of our students. Photo Club will be wrapping up on March 24th, 2025, but not before our talented photographers finish editing and compiling their best shots into a photo book!

Current Project: Photo Book Creation

Students are in the final stages of their photo book project. They’ve been carefully selecting their favorite photos, editing them to perfection, and designing pages that reflect their unique style and vision. This project not only showcases their technical skills with the camera but also highlights their growth in the digital editing process.

What They've Learned:

Over the course of the year, students have worked hard to understand and master the technical aspects of photography, including:

• Camera Settings: Learning about ISO, aperture, shutter speed, and how to adjust these settings for different lighting conditions.

• Composition: Focusing on the rule of thirds, leading lines, and framing techniques to create visually compelling images.

• Lighting: Experimenting with both natural and artificial light sources to enhance the mood and quality of their photos.

• Photo Editing: Students have gained valuable skills in editing software, adjusting exposure, contrast, and saturation, and using various tools to fine-tune their photos.

Sneak Peek of Their Work:

Our students have captured a wide range of stunning images this year, from nature shots to portraits and cityscapes. Here’s a glimpse at some of their new work!

Looking Ahead:

As the photo book project wraps up, we will also have a small celebration to recognize the students’ hard work and creativity. The photo books will serve as a beautiful keepsake of their photography journey.

We’re incredibly proud of everything our Photo Club members have accomplished and can’t wait to see how their final photo books turn out!

7th Grade Full Year Wednesday Pathways Cardboard Sculpture Project

For this project, students have the option to work individually or in groups, allowing for a range of creative approaches and collaboration styles. They’re using cardboard as their primary material, learning how to manipulate it by cutting, folding, and assembling it into three-dimensional sculptures.

The goal of the project is to create sculptures that have both artistic and structural integrity. Students are encouraged to think about how to use the cardboard creatively, adding layers, textures, and even incorporating elements like paint or other materials to enhance their pieces.

Whether working solo or as part of a group, students are learning about shape, form, and balance, and how to bring their ideas to life in three dimensions. This project also fosters teamwork and communication skills for those who choose the group option, as they collaborate to plan, design, and create their sculptures together.

Hello Students and Parents!

Today is Day 2 of Club sign ups through Expanding Horizons. Sign ups are happening at the CMS Cafeteria from 3:15 PM - 4:30 PM 1/14/2025!

I hope you'd be able to join us!

January Art Highlight: Hero's Journey with Spirited Away

This January, our 6th-grade art students are diving into the magical world of Studio Ghibli's Spirited Away as they prepare to create their own Hero's Journey picture books. Through watching the film, students are filling out a Hero's Journey map to understand the classic narrative structure that many stories follow.

What is the Hero's Journey?

The Hero's Journey is a storytelling framework that follows a hero who embarks on an adventure, faces challenges, and returns home transformed. This structure has been used in countless myths, fairy tales, and modern stories. By examining Spirited Away, students can identify each step in the journey and apply it to their own creative projects.

How We're Using Spirited Away in Class:

As students watch the movie, they are mapping out key stages of the Hero's Journey. They’ll track protagonist Chihiro’s transformation from a scared and uncertain girl to a confident hero who saves her family and finds her way back home.

Key Stages of the Hero's Journey in Spirited Away:

1. Ordinary World – Chihiro’s life before she enters the spirit world.

2. Call to Adventure – The moment Chihiro's family stumbles upon the mysterious bathhouse.

3. Refusal of the Call – Chihiro's fear and reluctance to enter the unknown.

4. Meeting the Mentor – Chihiro meets Haku, who helps guide her.

5. Crossing the Threshold – Chihiro begins working in the bathhouse, fully entering the spirit world.

6. Tests, Allies, and Enemies – Chihiro faces various challenges, including dealing with spirits and Yubaba.

7. The Ordeal – Chihiro’s major confrontation with the challenges of the spirit world.

8. Reward – Chihiro’s realization of her own bravery and growth.

9. The Road Back – Chihiro begins her return journey, now changed.

10. Resurrection – The final test that proves Chihiro’s transformation.

11. Return with the Elixir – Chihiro returns to her family, now mature and confident.

What's Next?

After identifying the stages in Spirited Away, students will use their understanding to create their own Hero's Journey picture books. They'll design characters, choose settings, and plan out their own stories, following the Hero's Journey framework.

This project not only helps students connect with storytelling, but also encourages them to tap into their creativity through both writing and art. Keep an eye out for updates on the final picture books—it's sure to be an exciting journey!

Laisha Lora Velazquez and Camila DaCosta, are having a lot of fun with their creative project for the "Deck The Doors" holiday competition at Collins Middle School! Their Grinch/POLAR EXPRESS-themed door is likely a fantastic mix of two beloved Christmas classics.

Our Photo Club students have been busy capturing the world through their lenses and applying creative editing techniques to enhance their images. This month, we’re excited to showcase the impressive work they’ve done so far!

Students have explored a variety of editing tools to add their personal touch to their photos. Whether it's playing with color contrasts, sharpening details, or experimenting with different filters, each student has brought their unique style to the project. From vibrant landscapes to close-up portraits, their creativity is shining through!

Here’s a glimpse of their edited photos—be sure to check out the amazing transformations and the talent of our budding photographers! 

Photos by: Asa Gillespie, Yuhany Ramirez, Danielle Wallinga, Arianna Rubiera, Aubrianna Williams, Daniella Adortse, Mia Ynoa, Alessandra Surro