Clarksville Academy’s Annual Grandparents Day was celebrated with an innovative twist this week. Students in grades PK through 5th showcased their talents for their grandparents. Each grade treated grandparents to a special program of music, art, and public speaking. This year students also demonstrated their use of technology with each project. Students in grades PK-3rd grade recorded video “Artist Statements” detailing their artistic process, what they learned while creating the art and what was their favorite part of the process. Fourth and fifth grade students created Keynote presentations that linked to a QR code. This Keynote included biographical information, techniques used during the creative process, and reflection of their work. This approach used by Jordyn Baldwin, the Lower School Art teacher, enabled students to push the artistic journey deeper. This also helped the grandparents view behind the scenes footage of their artistic process. A portrait opportunity for grandparents and students was another special highlight. The wireless capability on campus allowed for printing of the portraits instantly, so they could have a memento to remember the special day and time together.
Larry and Linda Thompson grandparents to CA fourth grader, Will Rager loved the grandparents’ day experience. “Today has been so lovely. We enjoyed seeing our grandsons perform and loved their art exhibit. The use of technology was a great way for us to see how they brought their projects to life. The photo given to us was such a sweet gesture. We are amazed at our grandsons’ use of iPads with their schoolwork.”
CA takes pride in fully engaging students each day. Sara Hendrix Lower School iInfuser, “At Clarksville Academy we are upholding the honor of being a Distinguished Apple School by continuing to pioneer a 1:1 technology integration plan. We are thoughtfully implementing technology in different ways throughout the school by enhancing the best practices and effective teaching already happening in our Lower School classrooms.”
Inviting families to share classroom experiences are the norm not the exception at Clarksville Academy. Celebrating with families who are a part of CA is part of the educational process. Kay Drew stated, “Families play an important part in our education. This year we wanted our students to invite their grandparents to take part in the use of technology in the classroom. Watching the interaction between these generations as they share the love of learning together is irreplaceable.”