February break! It was snowy and it is certainly cold but I hope you all enjoyed some quiet and restful time. As you all know by now we bring in Phases 3 and 4 over the net two weeks. The building will look different. Teaching will look different. Kids and staff will have masks but kids and staff are still kids and staff so we know though all the challenges, the rewards will be many. We have built in tremendous supports for you as arts teachers. If you feel like you need anything at all please do not hesitate to reach out to this office. We are always here for you.

Although this virus has certainly stolen live theatre and music from our lives and our schools it has not stopped our amazing teachers and kids from finding innovative and creative ways to keep the spirit of the arts alive in Framingham.

Over break and during frigid weather and in the middle of a snow storm, Chris, a handful of FHSDC students and I braved the crazy, went into the night and did some location shoots for our net production of Almost Maine and Love/SIck to be seen on a computer near you in March. Although the final product will be virtual, being outside and practicing social distancing allowed us to do some in person rehearsals and filming. With the support and talent of our tech kids we managed a three camera shoot and the locations, church bells and falling snow were perfect for these scenes which all take place in Maine.

It was freezing. We trudged through a few feet of snow. But we laughed , we directed, we learned about film making and we shared this experience with our kids. It certainly isn't the theatre we are used to and it is a LOT more work but the smiles on the faces of these kids made it all worthwhile. Thank you Chino! Memories made!

Not to be left out in the cold (see what I did there?) Teri at Cameron, Sheron at Walsh and Olivia at Fuller devised plays and scenes for their students and shared them virtually during a district wide afternoon celebration. These dedicated teachers pushed their own practice to create new work with their students. Watching and listening as their peers gave them comments and compliments made the enormity of Covid isolation feel less enormous for one afternoon. I have included a link to the Cameron production. If you haven't played "Among Us" - you may be lost in the plot- but the talent and commitment from these kids will not be lost on you! Enjoy!

On Thursday February 11, FHS, Walsh and Fuller vocal students and their talented teachers brought music back to FPS! After hours and hours of rehearsals, recording, edits and more edits we were treated to the Acapella groups at Fuller and Walsh and both Acapella and the FHS choir during a virtual night of music. It was professional, It was polished. It was innovative and the students were rightfully proud of their work. Meeting with the FHS choir the next day was so powerful. The students felt like they were together and they (and any audience member lucky enough to listen) were moved by the musicality of the event. Special thanks to Thaddeus, Mary, Ethan, Peter and Kyle for making this magic happen for our kids. The link is below. Do yourself a favor and listen.

After a year of not playing together-" Playing in Band- Covid style"- will begin on March 15.

PLEASE DO NOT BEGIN PLAYING BEFORE THIS DATE.

With a tremendous amount of time and effort (thank you Ellen and Principals) we have ordered PPE for our band students in Elementary, Middle (after school program) and FHS. The very large order should be in the week of March 8. It will be delivered to FHS where we will sort it and then deliver it to you at your schools.

We have far exceeded this requirement. Your Principals have this information as well and will be working with you to insure you have a space that allows for 10 feet of distancing

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In this newsletter I have also included the spreadsheet with your PPE requests. This is what we have ordered.

In this newsletter I have included links to the vendor to show you the PPE we have purchased. Your Principals have this information as well.

Framingham students will finally join their peers from the state who have been playing since September. I am confident you will join me in celebrating their excitement.

• DO NOT use bleach
• DO NOT use fabric softeners
• DO NOT use harsh detergents or soaps
• AVOID washing garments in warm or hot water
• DO NOT soak or leave wet in a pile
• DO NOT heavily scrub, wring, or twist garments
• DO NOT bulk wash
• DO NOT dry clean

This is for questions and answers about our return. I want to be as transparent and supportive as possible. Please refer to this document, add to it and check it as often as needed. I promise you I am here to support you but your first line of communication should always be your building principal. They really, REALLY want to make this work for you and our kids. You simply cannot imagine the hours they have put in to get ready.

If no one adds concerns after our March start I will take this out of the newsletter.

• Model good coping behaviors for students – calm, honest, and caring
• Take care of yourself and know your limits
• Provide clear information for families as soon as possible
• Express empathy for students, parents and colleagues
• Gradual rollout. Curriculum isn't as important as kids!
• Make time for yourself after school. Read, exercise, practice yoga or take a nap.
• Ask for help if you need it. You are not alone. You are the best teachers I know.

We can learn so much from each other! I have included a Smore designed by Katie at Potter Road. Lots of great and user friendly information! Steal away and great work Katie!

I would love to highlight a lesson from you in this newsletter that celebrates March as Arts in Education Month. Feel free to chare them with me. We learn best from each other. This week I am including one for theatre classes but I bet you could adapt it for your own discipline. Thanks Teri!

Be on the lookout for lesson plans to make your own just before February break. Once again the FPA and STEAM departments will join forces to teach some standards that overlap. You may remember Painting with Magnets? Weill Andrea, Sam and PJ Feyman are joining forces to adapt the lesson for our current teaching situation. All supplies and the entire lesson and assessments will be provided. Plan to work this in during March. More to come as we have just started.

K-5 Music- We will be joining our Visual Arts colleagues on a STEAM lesson as well. Sarah SIlva and PJ will work together on this one. The lesson and supplies will be in your hands before break so you have time to adjust your schedule.

Thanks, so much to Andrea, Sam and Sarah for taking this on.

More to come.

Director, Fine and Performing Arts Department

Email: dwresinski@framingham.k12.ma.us
Website: https://www.framingham.k12.ma.us/Domain/74
Phone: 508 782 7770
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FraminghamFPA/