Students at Winslow Elementary School continued their annual tradition of transforming dots into beautiful pieces of art by celebrating International Dot Day recently.
September 14, or Dot Day, was inspired by the book The Dot by Peter Reynolds, in which a young girl is encouraged to believe in herself and “make her mark” upon the world. As explained by Reynolds, the story “begins with a small dot on a piece of paper and becomes a breakthrough in confidence and courage.”
This is the fifth year that Kara Rehm, art teacher at Winslow, has incorporated the day into her classes. This year’s focus was Australian Aboriginal art. The Aborigines believe in what they call a “dreamtime” or a time when the earth first began, and this belief manifested itself in unique visual images or paintings called Dreamings. One Dreaming style employs “shimmering” dots while another uses delicate and detailed line designs.
“The story of The Dot has inspired me every year to come up with something new,” Rehm said. “And I thought, I haven’t done a culture yet, let me research some cultures that use dots in their paintings.”
The challenge each year is finding a way to incorporate the theme into projects that can be adapted for all grade levels. Kindergarten, first, and second grades all created colorful dot designs based around a hand tracing. Third and fourth graders created their own Dreamings featuring a variety of different animals. Fifth graders were able to put their talents on display by creating their own Dreamings on slices of a fallen tree. Finally, the self-contained students made mono prints by adding ink to plates and then drawing with a wooden stick. Then they placed a paper on top and rubbed the back to make a print.
Parents were also able to contribute to the celebration this year. A large circle-covered bulletin board is on display in the main hallway, inviting parents to “make a mark and see where it takes you.” During Back to School Night, families were asked to write a brief message or encouraging words for their child. Nearly every single circle featured kind words or a drawing for all to see.
International Dot Day was first celebrated in 2009. Today it is celebrated by over 13 million people in 177 countries.
Rehm was also highlighted by the Art Educators of New Jersey for her advocacy of art education, specifically her work with Dot Day.
Free FAFSA Workshops Offer Help With Financial Aid Application
Applying for financial aid for education beyond high school can be confusing, especially with the paperwork that is required for students seeking any federal or New Jersey aid, grants and/or loans, and certain scholarships.
Rowan College of South Jersey-Cumberland Campus will host free 2-hour moderated workshops to help families get the help they need in completing the 2020-2021 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), the form that is required to apply for financial assistance programs.
Each of the Thursday evening workshops mobilizes financial aid professionals who are eager to help families take the first step in preparing students to attend college. Knowledgeable English- and Spanish-speaking specialists will be available to assist those in attendance.
The free workshops will be offered in October, November and December. All workshops take place 5 to 7 p.m. in Room ASL-4, located in the Academic Building, 3322 College Drive. The workshop dates are October 3, 10, 17 and 24; November 7, 14 and 21; December 5 and 12.
Those attending a workshop should bring parents/student financial documents (federal income tax returns, W-2s, and other records of income such as social security benefits, child support, etc.) In addition, a FSA ID (fsaid.ed.gov) for parent and student is required to sign electronically. For more information, call 856-691-8600, ext. 1336.
Rowan College of South Jersey is a comprehensive, two-year regional college serving more than 10,000 full- and part-time students with degree and workforce development programs, on campuses in Gloucester and Cumberland Counties. Rowan College of South Jersey is fully accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
Millville High Football Game Tickets on Sale
Millville High School will be selling tickets for the “Reserved Seating Section” for all home football games. Tickets can only be purchased at the Reserved Seating Section ticket window at the Memorial High School building during the home games. At that time, seats can be purchased for the whole season or just for that evening’s game.
All seats will be on a first-come, first-served basis inside the Reserved Seating Section. Questions? Contact Dave LaGamba, the Millville High School athletic director, at 856-327-6059, ext. 4.
