Connecting Across Divisions

Some of the most rewarding and enriching experiences that happen at AFS are the connections that are made across divisions.  The first graders were a little bit nervous and a whole lot excited to have their first encounters with their senior partners. The week before Field Day, they met for the very first time to create signs that would be used to show spirit and support on Field Day.  The seniors crafted the first graders' names in unique and creative ways and together they colored and decorated them.  Through the process they laughed and got to know each other and then played together on the Headwaters Playground.  

It was so touching to hear and see the joy from all the students.  This activity made our connection on Field Day rich with anticipation and so much more meaningful.  The first graders could not wait to get together with their partners and they loved every minute of our Field Day time with the seniors!

Another connection that is still in progress is the creation of first grade portraits by Donna Russo's photography class.  The first graders thought about and practiced whole body poses that portrayed how they saw themselves. Each first grader got to model several poses for their photography partner inside the photography room and again outside on the playground.  The photography students chose the best pictures and delivered them last week to first grade and they are spectacular!  

We are getting ready to meet with Upper School art teacher, Amy Newman, who will guide the first graders to use pastels on their portraits, to add feeling and emotion to their pictures.  When they are finished they will grace our classroom for all to see.  

In addition to our portraits, the photography students also came out to our monarch release and took beautiful pictures of a deeply moving part of our study.  These pictures will be turned into a book that we can't wait to enjoy.  How fortunate for our young first graders to have all these rich experiences with students in the Upper School!!  We are so grateful to the teachers and students who are working with us!