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Every new beginning offers us a chance to be creative, and to build on the creativity that has come before us. The opening of our school year is just such an opportunity. Last year staff and students in the River Valley School District began a wonderful experiment with a simple question – how can we focus on enhancing the creative potential in our schools, and in our community. It’s a big question, of course, but one that we began to answer with some very specific projects, including (among others): a focus on a model for teaching writing, a multidisciplinary approach to teaching various topics such as the Holocaust, an after school art club, staff training about differentiation, brain-based teaching and learning, and teaching creativity.
Together, we have learned something about creativity, but these answers have raised new questions and possibilities. Fortunately, the Spring Green Center for Creativity and Innovation has raised enough money from generous donors to fund the creative learning facilitator position for the 2007 - 2010 school years. We are excited that we have been able to continue in this important and intriguing direction.
Our focus this year is on learning more about the creative process through staff development opportunities and direct connections with members of our community. We will explore best teaching practices as we recognize the importance of teaching to a future we have yet to understand. Additionally, student opportunities to explore and enhance their own creativity will increase.
One last important priority for us is to increase the connections between the school district and the greater community. We welcome your interest, talents, and questions about this position and our focus on creativity. The last two years, we have been able to draw from the skills of many people who wanted to share their knowledge and expertise with students. We intend to continue searching for and inviting community members to be part of young people’s education. Please feel free to contact Heather Terrill Stotts, Creative Learning Facilitator, with your questions or interests at hstotts@rvschools.org or 608-588-2551.
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