We are at it again at BCD! Working together to grow and improve our practice, and having fun while doing it.

On Monday, October 2, we had a full day faculty in-service day. We spent the morning together and in teams looking intentionally into our social-emotional curriculum and program.  We asked ourselves: What is our purpose? What is going well with our current approach? What needs our attention for improvement?

We also spent part of the morning gearing up for the kick off of our through-school service learning focus, which launched into the inquiry and identification phases in all grade levels (except B2) on Wednesday, October 4 (more on that soon!).

During the afternoon of our in-service day, we were fortunate to participate in a mock version of Arts Blocks, our signature arts program for Upper School students (grade 7-9) where they choose two art electives per term. They choose between music, visual arts, and performing arts options, each of which meets twice weekly throughout the term. Yesterday, the BCD faculty also participated in selecting and attending Arts Blocks of their choice.

Led by three of our multi-talented Arts Team faculty, the following Arts Blocks options were offered.

Faculty Vocal Ensemble with Charles Zotique (Music Teacher/Private Instrumental Music Program Coordinator)

Do you love to sing? Let your voice soar with Faculty Ensemble. In this class, we will build each musician’s current skill level in vocal technique, sight-reading, ensemble skills, and music theory. We will prepare fun and engaging musical presentations and prepare to share them with the community. We will also grow as an ensemble and foster a supportive environment for musical discovery. Give it a try! You’ll be amazed by what you can accomplish.

 

A Version of You with Sasha Sicurella (Visual Arts Program Coordinator)

Create a mixed-media self-portrait that combines elements of photography, drawing, painting, and, of course, your own imagination! See examples of similar projects that Ms. Sicurella has done with children, youth, and adults in 20 different countries around the world and learn how this activity has helped people to discover parts of their own identity through the process. You will be amazed by your hidden artistic ability and by the version of you that will be created!

 

Theatrical Ensemble Building with Lia Russell-Self (Theatre Director)

Have fun and get creative with your colleagues! Be prepared to move around and collaborate. Through engaging exercises, we will create a short performance composition. No matter your level of acting or an aversion to theatrical specimens, you’ll fit right on in. There’s no right or wrong, just what you want to bring to the table!

 

 

The workshop titles and photos speak for themselves. Creativity was in action. Risk taking was abundant. Teamwork was flowing. Fun was had by all. Once again, Berkshire Country Day School teachers shared their dynamic teaching skills with their colleagues. Back together at the close of the day, we reflected and we agreed how fortunate our students are to have such talented Arts teachers, and how truly inspiring the arts program is here at BCD. What a wonderful way to spend a day together becoming intentionally enriched and thoroughly inspired.