T H E M U S E U M : F E B R U A RY 3 - M AY 2 7 , 2 0 1 6
MU . SE . UM ( N O U N ) : A N I N S T I T U T I O N D E V O T E D TO T H E P R O C U R E M E N T, C A R E , S T U D Y & D I S P L AY O F O B J E C T S O F P E R M A N E N T VA L U E .
en . deav . or ( N O U N ) : A N AT T E M P T TO A C H I E V E O R R E A C H A G O A L B Y E X E RT I O N O F E F F O RT
“What makes the desert beautiful,” said the little prince, “is that somewhere it hides a well...” Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, The Little Prince While the beauty of the desert is not readily apparent, neither is the inherent beauty of toil for most students. Putting your work on exhibition means that you have put in the necessary work - research, investigation, experimentation, revision and repetition - to make your final product ready for public consumption. A student’s journey toward their exhibition can be viewed as a sort of hero’s journey. A hero’s journey includes a call to adventure, a refusal of the call and then a guide or mentor to provide aid. The journey is messy, and it is the endeavoring that takes place between the call and the completion that is the beautiful and rarely fastidious learning process. Part of the beauty in the journey comes in the relationships forged. Our teachers, serving as mentors, know what talisman each child needs in order to fulfill his or her quest. Students are learning that their contributions matter in this community. They see that if they invest themselves in their work, there is a return of confidence, trust and self-respect. They witness the truth that what we can do together is infinitely stronger than our ideas remaining in isolation. Don’t let the beauty in the final products you see this Spring at Presbyterian School belie the messy toil in which they were created, the fertile ground of growth and understanding. Engage in conversation on the topic with your student and let your student and their teacher tell you about their journey. Much like the journey of Antoine de Saint-Exupéry’s The Little Prince, their journey may have involved a hint of heroism and led to a greater understanding of their role in the bigger picture of life’s fabric. I invite you to enjoy and celebrate with us the gifts of our students and their finished products. In the months ahead take a moment to step inside Presbyterian School: The Museum. Observe the artwork displayed in a frame, reflect on the final sentence of a speech, savor the last note ringing in the listener’s ear, stand for the curtain call and the bows and join us as we give thanks to a God who made us co-creator’s in this creation.
Courtney Daniell-Knapp Director of Fine Arts
ex . hi . bi . tions ( N O U N ) : A N O R G A N I Z E D P R E S E N TAT I O N A N D D I S P L AY O F A S E L E C T I O N OF ITEMS
B E TA L I G H T S , C A M E R A , A C T I O N ! April 29 • 8:15 a.m. • North Playground
The Beta language arts program includes the Classroom Storytelling Project, a curriculum developed by Rice University Center for Education as a part of the School Literacy and Culture Project. Through this program, teachers use children’s stories to advance their literacy potential. Please join us for coffee and pastries as we celebrate children’s literature and storytelling. The Betas are eager to showcase some of their favorite stories from the school year on our new outdoor playground stage.
P R E - K A I R L I N E S PA R A D E May 11 • 2:45 p.m. • School Hallways
Pre-K Airlines continues to travel around the world, taking in all the sights, smells, and wonders of different cultures. Students began their trip in Houston, and after a quick layover in New York City, visited both India and Italy. They traveled to Ancient Egypt, building pyramids and learning the process of mummification. Brazil, Australia, and Greece will be the last three stops on their world journey. The curriculum ends with a “Passport Parade” where students dress as someone from their favorite country. Expect to see Samba dancers, King Tut and Zeus. Let your learning and creativity take flight with Pre-K Airlines!
KINDERGARTEN CIRCUS May 20 • 1:00 p.m. • Grand Hall
Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, children of all ages...welcome to the Kindergarten Circus! This main event includes (daredevil) performers, risky animal acts, live entertainment, laughter, and suspense. Each student will perform an act in the circus. Prior to the circus, students will draw from digital and print sources to research and gather historical facts on their act from past circus performances. Students create dioramas of their acts for the circus museum exhibit. This exhibit will be open for viewing before the circus begins. Come one, come all to the Main Event.
1ST GRADE DINOSAUR MUSEUM February 3 - 4 • All day • Palm Court
First Grade is going back in time for a month-long study of dinosaurs, paleontology, and prehistory. Each student will choose a dinosaur to research, make use of iPads and “Dino” apps and learn how to differentiate between fact and fiction as they discover more about
their chosen dinosaur. The study will culminate in individual creations of a “dino-rama” to be put on exhibit. Each dino-rama will feature a dinosaur in its natural habitat. Be sure to check out the Dinosaur Museum-you’ll have a roaring good time!
2 N D G R A D E B A C K F O RT Y M U S E U M April 21 • All day • LC 181
Mosey on down to the Back Forty Museum where second grade students will present their knowledge of the ways natural resources are harvested, stored, processed, packaged, sold and consumed. Throughout the year, students have learned about the local and global communities in which they live and their roles as citizens in those communities. By studying farming, second grade will learn about managing natural resources and how individuals and businesses contribute to a community. Y’all come visit soon, ya hear?
3 R D G R A D E WA X M U S E U M
March 8 - 9 • 12:15 p.m. • Fellowship Hall Third grade students have expanded their knowledge of famous historical events and figures. Students are asked to choose a person from history to research and bring to life. Whether it’s a famous athlete, civil rights activist, author, explorer, or chef, students work hard to personify these individuals in appearance, speech, and form. Stop by the Wax Museum to meet our famous characters and learn about their lives and accomplishments. This is one great moment you can’t miss!
4TH GRADE TEXAS MUSEUM May 9 - 13 • All day • Palm Court
Fourth grade students focus on a year-long study of Texas history, beginning their studies in the Paleoamerican time period and continuing to current day events in their home state. In the spring, students pick individual research topics about a person, place, or event that helped shape Texas. They learn the steps of researching, taking notes, outlining, and writing a research paper. Students also create an accompanying visual representation of their choice. Drawing upon the experience of museum experts, including faculty and staff from the Glassell School and Museum of Fine Arts, students learn how to put together and curate their own museum to showcase their visual projects. From determining the layout and design of their museum to serving as docents, 4th grade students create a true Texan experience through and through! A special Texas program will highlight the industry of the fourth grade on May 13 at 10:15 a.m. in Fellowship Hall.
5TH GRADE DEAR ABBY MUSICAL May 17 • 2:15 p.m. • Fellowship Hall
Chosen because this is an election year, Dear Abby is a salute to First Ladies throughout history, celebrating their contributions to their partners and to the country. In preparation for the performance, fifth grade students will research their characters to gain a deeper understanding of the time period in which they lived and the context in which they served.
6 T H G R A D E R E A D E R ’ S T H E AT E R
April 28 • 8:30 a.m. (last name A-L) • 10:10 a.m. (last name M-Z) • FH259 Sixth grade students have explored writing techniques such as imagery, personification, point of view, dialogue and metaphors by examining professional literary works. Students have expanded their writing portfolio by using these techniques in stream-of-consciousness or free-write form. Students revise their writing based on peer and teacher feedback to produce a more polished final copy. The Reader’s Theater celebrates each student’s growth as a confident writer as they share a meaningful piece of writing during the theater experience.
7 T H G R A D E O N E A C T P L AY May 19 • 1:00 p.m. • Grand Hall
Every day seventh grade students participate in fine arts classes such as photography, choir, yearbook, drama, mixed media, creative writing and more. The daily exposure to the arts impacts our students’ creative and critical thinking skills and reveals how art can influence all areas of their life. Join us as the seventh grade drama class tackles The Comedy of Errors: The 30-Minute Shakespeare, an extravaganza of five raucous scenes of mistaken identity.
8TH GRADE STEAM MUSEUM April 15 • All day • Fellowship Hall
Consider the words of Paul Allen, co-founder of Microsoft, investor, and philanthropist, “The best museums and museum exhibits about science or technology give you the feeling that, hey, this is interesting, but maybe I could do something here, too.” The eighth grade will work to create a museum that allows younger students to interact with scientific principles in physics, biology, chemistry, and earth science... as well as see how those scientific concepts can be used to create works of art. The visual appeal of the museum will elevate this from a science fair to a thoughtful display of museum design which invites engagement with the works on display.
high . lights (noun) : something (such as an event or detail) that is very interesting, exciting, or important
R H Y T H M A N D B L U E S : A RT E X H I B I T A N D P O P C O N C E RT March 9 • Art Exhibit • 12:30 p.m. • Glassell Junior School of Art March 9 • Pop Concert • 2:30 p.m. • Grand Hall
Enjoy elements of rhythm in artwork; hear and see the blues at this fine arts showcase. Middle School students will have their work on display on the exhibit walls and the concert hall. Songs include American jazz standards from the 1920’s from giants like Irving Berlin and George Gershwin. The art exhibit will be on display at the Glassell Junior School of Art through March 25.
EASTER CHAPEL
March 24 • 2:30 p.m. • Sanctuary Gathering as a community, Lower and Middle School will reflect on the story of Jesus’ resurrection and celebrate His forgiveness offered to all. Through song, Scripture and a meditation, we remember, “He is risen indeed.” Third grade, 5th & 6th on Main Choir, and Main Street Singers will present music in worship.
G R A N D PA R E N T S & S P E C I A L F R I E N D S D AY / B O O K FA I R April 8 • Early Childhood Program • 9:30 a.m. • Fellowship Hall April 8 • Lower School Program • 10:30 a.m. • Grand Hall April 8 • All School Book Fair • 11:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. • Barnes & Noble
Grandparents and Special Friends of Early Childhood and Lower School students are invited on campus for a day to “Paws for Reading.” Early Childhood students will Bring a Book to Life in a short music program, and Lower School students will share recitations in a Poetry Program. The Poetry Program follows the natural progression of a student’s knowledge of poetry from nursery rhymes and nonsense poems to the works of our most beloved classical poets. All families are encouraged to grab lunch at one of our community restaurants and stop by the School Book Fair at Barnes & Noble located in River Oaks Shopping Center (2030 West Gray Street). Catch a sneak preview of the School’s annual musical production at the Book Fair at 1:30 p.m. This year, the Class of 2016 will present Disney’s The Little Mermaid, Jr.
S P R I N G C H O I R C O N C E RT W I T H H O U S TO N B O Y C H O I R April 21 • 6:30 p.m. • Sanctuary
The Lower School Choir and 5th & 6th on Main Choir will present a concert for families in conjunction with the Houston BoyChoir, under the direction of Carole Nelson. Houston BoyChoir is an independent arts organization working with boys in the Houston Metropolitan area, offering the exciting opportunity for vocal music study and choral performance. The Houston BoyChoir is regularly presented in concert throughout the city and often featured with Houston’s major performing arts organizations including Houston Grand Opera, the Houston Symphony Orchestra, the Houston Bach Society and the Houston Tidelanders.
DISNEY’S THE LITTLE MERMAID, JR. May 5 • 10:00 a.m. & 7:00 p.m. • Grand Hall May 6 • 7:00 p.m. • Grand Hall
Based on the Danish fairy tale of the same name by Hans Christian Andersen, The Little Mermaid tells the story of a mermaid princess who dreams of becoming human. Disney’s treatment of the story, released as an animated film in 1989, was considered by some as the Disney film that brought Broadway into cartoons because of the Academy Award winning score by Alan Menken. Ariel is a girl who does not passively accept her fate, but rather acts independently, albeit recklessly, to realize her dreams. Surrounded by a loving family and a humorous cast of characters, Ariel’s adventurous spirit and her willingness to act in defense of her family is ultimately rewarded. Join us as the Class of 2016 presents the School’s annual musical production.
CLOSING CHAPEL
May 27 • Early Childhood • 8:30 a.m. • Sanctuary May 27 • Lower and Middle School • 11:30 a.m. • Sanctuary Early Childhood Closing Chapel honors PreKindergarten students as they graduate from Early Childhood and prepare to begin Lower School. Lower and Middle School Closing Chapel celebrates the closing of the school year with shared memories.
part . ner . ships ( N O U N ) : A R E L AT I O N S H I P U S U A L LY I N V O LV I N G C L O S E C O O P E R AT I O N B E T W E E N PA RT I E S H AV I N G J O I N T R I G H T S A N D R E S P O N S I B I L I T I E S
Presbyterian School’s mission of Family, School and Church united in the education and support of each Child is rooted in the premise of partnerships. Living our mission in the community compels us to widen the scope of our partnerships to include neighboring institutions and organizations that have the same desire to educate and support each child. The School forms part of an archipelago of the arts and academia in the heart of Houston’s vibrant Museum District. We are fortunate to partner with over 30 institutions to offer enriched experiences and an unparalleled independent school education to each student. The Alley Theatre The Asia Society The Children’s Museum Contemporary Arts Museum The Emergency Aid Coalition The Glassell Junior School of Art Harris County Courthouse The Health Museum Hermann Park Hobby Center for the Performing Arts The Holocaust Museum The Houston Aquarium
Houston BoyChoir Houston Center for Contemporary Craft Houston Center for Photography Houston City Hall Houston Grand Opera The Houston Museum of Natural Science The Houston Zoo Jesse H. Jones Hall for the Performing Arts The Jung Center Lawndale Art Center MacGregor Elementary
Main Street Theater The Medical Center The Menil Collection The Miller Outdoor Theatre The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston Musiqa The Nehemiah Center NRG Center & Stadium Rice University Rothko Chapel University of St. Thomas Wortham Theater Center Writers in the Schools
Much of the work that is done with our community partners is completed behind-thescenes before the curtain opens, the exhibit begins or the timer starts. Below is a preview of how three partnerships have and will continue to enrich our students’ learning in the arts.
PA RT N E R S I N C O N C E RT: M A C G R E G O R E L E M E N TA RY A N D H O U S TO N B O Y C H O I R The School’s music directors, Holly Holt and Charles Harrison, have intentionally partnered with choirs in the community to give our students an opportunity to excel in music with like-minded peers. Middle School music director, Charles Harrison, invited MacGregor Elementary’s select fifth grade students to join his sixth grade singers in a performance at Thanksgiving Chapel. It was a wonderful opportunity to share in great music-making together with neighbors. In April, Lower School music director, Holly Holt, will bring to campus the Houston BoyChoir (HBC), an organization that is dear to her heart. Mrs. Holt has been one of the
directors for Houston Boychoir since 2000, which she says “is some of the most rewarding work of my life!” HBC is a multi-tiered organization, and the School’s Spring Choir Concert on April 21 with Lower School Choir and 5th & 6th on Main Choir will include two of the four Houston BoyChoir levels: Chamber Choir (HBC’s touring choir) and the Olde Boys (HBC’s High School Choir). The HBC experience has such an impact on boys that they volunteer their time to assist the younger choristers as role models. Mrs. Holt explains, “At a recent concert, one young chorister said to me, referring to the alumni assistant who was conducting, ‘Look, Mrs. Holt, it’s Mr. B. I want to grow up to be just like him.’ In two sentences, this boy summed up for me what is so special about the group.” This kind of commitment makes the organization feel more like an extended family than simply a choir. Mrs. Holt is excited to share HBC with the Presbyterian School community.
PA RT N E R S I N A RT: G L A S S E L L J U N I O R S C H O O L O F A RT The Glassell Junior School of Art offers a wealth of resources to our school. The lynch pin in our partnership with Glassell is Pam Perez, a quality human being at the helm of the Junior School. She is dedicated to making our partnership about the student experience from Beta through eighth grade. Pam works with Jessica Wright, Coordinator of Auxiliary Programs, to offer auxiliary classes for our students and with Courtney Daniell-Knapp, Director of Fine Arts, to bring Glassell teachers to instruct seventh and eighth grade fine art electives. Glassell also facilitates the fourth grade Installation Workshop that results in the fourth grade installation of the annual Middle School Art Exhibit featured inside the Glassell Junior School of Art (Rhythm and Blues: March 9 - 25). The three-day workshop teaches students the elements of museum exhibit design, includes time in the art studio creating promotional materials and features a visit with design professionals in areas of the MFAH that are off-limits to museum visitors. The second phase of the workshop sees forty-eight fourth graders interacting with Middle School art projects in the Glassell Junior School galleries and making design decisions, measuring and hanging art projects in a cohesive, collaborative and thoughtful manner. This installation workshop, undertaken in February and March, helps prepare 4th grade to install their Texas Museum in May.
PA RT N E R S I N L E A R N I N G : M U S E U M O F F I N E A RT S In 2014, Presbyterian School introduced the Habits of Learning course as a core class for all 5th grade students. This class has two strands, one practical and one conceptual, both essential for student success. The practical strand includes an emphasis on “Presbyterian School Survival Skills,” such as effective use of planners, instruction on iPad specific tools, internet safety, research and oral presentation skills and assessment preparation strategies.
The conceptual strand of the class targets higher order thinking skills (i.e. metacognitive and executive abilities) and teaches students to think and to think about their learning. The Habits of Learning class has come alive with the help of a newly developed Museum of Fine Arts, Houston (MFAH) Learning through Art curriculum designed specifically for middle school students. Fifth grade students are introduced to a higher order thinking skill at the MFAH. They practice using this skill in the museum before returning to the classroom to apply it in a specific subject area. This year the first unit of study with the MFAH covered “Observation and Communication.� Students focused on active skills such as observing, wondering and concluding as they examined the African Gold collection, the Tiffany stained glass, a Remington and a Rothko painting. Upon returning to the classroom, students used these same active skills of observation and readily applied them to dissect a poem in English class, examine a specimen in Science class, study a new geography map in Social Studies and deconstruct a series of problems in Math class. The partnership between the Habits of Learning class and the MFAH offers teachers a very concrete and systematic way to teach higher order thinking skills that are used on a daily basis in every academic subject.
Presbyterian School 5 3 0 0 M A I N S T R E E T H O U S TO N , T E X A S 7 7 0 0 4 7 1 3 . 5 2 0 . 0 2 8 4 W W W. P S H O U S TO N . O R G C O N F I D E N C E I N E V E RY C H I L D