Class is back in session for the Unionville-Chadds Ford School District. And among the 4,037 district students are 352 at Chadds Ford Elementary School.
CFES Principal Shawn Dutkiewicz said he and the faculty and staff at the school are looking ahead to a school year that picks up where the last academic year left off.
He was referring to a focus on mind growth, which is a continuation of last year’s focus on resiliency.
The resiliency initiative was a means to teach students how to set goals and be resilient enough to follow up to achieve them.
“This year we’re implementing a growth mindset,” Dutkiewicz said while waiting for the school buses to arrive.
“The growth mindset is the opposite of a fixed mindset. A growth mindset is a philosophy that says anybody can learn whatever they put their minds to,” he said. “It’s not as if they’re inhibited by a certain IQ or innate ability. With enough practice and dedication, they can learn anything they put their mind to.”
Dutkiewicz explained that from kindergarten through second grade, students have that growing mind, which tells them they can learn and do virtually anything. However, that starts to drop off into a fixed mindset, which is limiting, from third grade onward.
That growth ability is based on neuroplasticity, which allows the brain to grow and develop better neural pathways, he said.
During an assembly next week, the students will again be introduced to goal setting and will experience “buddy classrooms,” where younger students will meet with older ones in a mentoring situation, the second-year principal said.
Students will also begin being taught how the brain works. He said 14 members of the staff did a book study over the summer and put together a plan to teach students how the brain works so they can maintain that growing mind for a longer length of time than they normally do.
Dutkiewicz said a number of the other schools would be planning their own growth mindset programs, but he couldn’t go into specifics except to say it is a shared philosophy.
(Photo: Students are greeted with high hooves from Chad the Charger and low fives from Principal Shawn Dutkiewicz as they get off the bus for ther first day of classes at Chadds Ford Elementary School.)
Rich Schwartzman has been reporting on events in the greater Chadds Ford area since September 2001 when he became the founding editor of The Chadds Ford Post. In April 2009 he became managing editor of ChaddsFordLive. He is also an award-winning photographer.
Sculpture abounds for September, the beginning of the new art season, with new shows and exhibitions throughout Chester County. The artists use an astounding variety of media: steel, ceramic, wood, fiber, marble, rubber tires and even hats!
Sculpture by Lele Galer
The theme of “The Art of Sculpture” is showcased at many of our local wineries through the Brandywine Artisan Wine Trail www.brandywineartisanwinetrail.com. Karen Delaney welded steel sculptures will be at Kreutz Creek Vineyard in West Chester and West Grove locations, Laurie Murray sculptures at the Borderland Vineyard Art Festival September 19th and 20th, Lele Galer sculptures at Galer Estate Winery, Stan Smokler sculptures at Penns Woods Winery, and Bob Deane sculptures at Ten Gallon Hat Winery in Chadds Ford.
At The Delaware Art Museum, sculpture is also the theme for the new exhibition “Reconstructed Elements” which opens this Sunday September 6th from 1-3pm. Entry to the museum is free on Sundays! This show is a combination of three well-known sculptors, fabulous local artist Stan Smokler (steel), Richards H. Bailey (marble) and Helen Mason (rubber tires and wood). In each case the artists are transforming different raw materials into new abstract sculptural forms.
Plenty By Karen Delaney, showing at Kreutz Creek Winery tasting room in West Chester
This exciting exhibit is part of the museum’s “Outlooks Exhibition Series” which accepts innovative proposals throughout year from local and community artists, displayed in the Ammon Galleries. For the first time, Stan Smokler will be exhibiting his new series of welded steel sculptures where assembled forms and lines act and react within the confines of a rectangular box frame. Great stuff!
While you are there at the opening, check out “Dream Streets: Art in Wilmington 1970-1990” and the new installation of the beautiful Howard Pyle murals. This is a true gem of a museum that is a perfect destination spot for adults and children. Some of their lectures are the best that I have seen anywhere in our area.
Sabah Farooq and Jack Hansen, wood sculpture, Phoenix Village Art Center
At the Phoenix Village Art Center, in downtown Phoenixville, the smooth and surprising wood turned shapes and vessels of Sabah Farooq and Jack Hansen, will be shown throughout the month, with a special opening reception on this Friday September 4th from 6-9pm. There is an upstairs exhibit as well with work by Denise Romano Bright which will be open at 7:30 that night.
While you are in Phoenixville, check out the newly refurbished Steel City for a fun music scene, Diving Cat Studio, across the street, for fun eclectic art work and jewelry, and of course the Art Gallery at Franklin Commons which will be continuing their “Roots” show for another two weeks.
There is a lot going at the Oxford Art Alliance for the month of September. First Friday in Oxford, September 4, kicks off the “Community Art Project” from 5-8 pm, where the public can work together for a public art piece under the instruction of artist Francesca Applewhite. This is free to the public, but a donation is always welcomed.
In Kennett Square, September marks the incredibly popular Mushroom Festival, where Mala Galleria will exhibit “Mycophilia” (mushroom inspired art) with Melissa Maddonni Haims fiber art sculptures, and her husband Josh Halms’ photographs of mushrooms. Also on exhibit is the beautiful work of Lynette Shelley and Roberta Little’s sculptures and jewelry. First Friday Art Stroll in Kennett Square is this Friday, September 4th, with opening receptions throughout the early evening.
Fall art classes that are starting up in each of the local art associations. Why not sign up for one today?
Laurie Murray, Borderland Vineyards
The opinions expressed are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of the ownership or management of Chadds Ford Live. We welcome opposing viewpoints. Readers may comment in the comments section or they may submit a Letter to the Editor to: editor@chaddsfordlive.com.
Lele Galer is an artist who has chaired numerous art shows, taught art history and studio art, public art and has chaired, written and taught the Art in Action Art Appreciation series for the UCFD schools for the past 12 years. She worked at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, and wrote for the Associated Press in Rome. She has been dedicated to Art History and art education for most of her adult life. Lele and her husband Brad own Galer Estate Winery in Kennett Square.
The Kennett Symphony of Chester County (KSCC) announces its concert lineup for its 2015-2016 75th Anniversary season. The 75th Anniversary Season is one of celebration and “firsts” for the KSCC, including a world premiere commission in honor of the 75th anniversary, a free Thank You Concert for the community, new performance venues, and special events in celebration of the 75th Anniversary Season.
American Flair!
Saturday, September 12, 2015, 7:30pm
FREE! Thank You Concert for the Community
Presented in Partnership with The Mushroom Festival 30th Anniversary & Kennett Symphony 75th Anniversary
Venue: Mushroom Festival Tented Main Stage, Willow & State Streets, Kennett Square
No tickets required. Open seating. First-come, first-served.
Nothing beats live music from a full orchestra to get your hands clapping, toes tapping and spirits soaring. Join us for a FREE concert in downtown Kennett Square: American Flair! Enjoy The Mushroom Festival during the day, and stick around to be entertained by your symphony orchestra as they perform a potpourri of diverse selections, including Broadway, movie music and patriotic tunes to pay tribute to America’s rich musical heritage.
PROGRAM
Bernstein – West Side Story Medley Anderson-Lopez – Music from Frozen
Arr. Ricketts – Chicago – Film Selections Horner – Music from Apollo 13
Offenbach – Can Can Copland – Variations on a Shaker Melody
Schonberg – Les Miserables: I Dreamed a Dream Arr.Lowden – Armed Forces Salute
Lloyd Webber – Phantom of the Opera Ward – America the Beautiful
Williams – Star Wars Medley Sousa– Stars and Stripes
Williams – Raiders March from Raiders of the Lost Ark
MASTERWORKS 1:
75th Anniversary Opening Night Concert
Saturday, October 17, 2015, 7:30pm
Michael Hall, Conductor
Timotheos Petrin, Cello
Venue: Unionville High School
Our opening concert celebrates our 75th anniversary with a commission by the acclaimed young composer, Anthony Constantino whose music has been described as, “Plush, cinematic and animated” by Anthony Tommasini, chief music critic for The New York Times. Timotheos Petrin, winner of the Techni Cello Competition, will perform the Saint Saëns Cello Concerto. The program includes Puccini’s beautiful and melancholy elegy for strings and builds to a boisterous finale with Respighi’s epic tone poem, The Pines of Rome.
Join us for a joyous program of holiday favorites. The Kennett Symphony Children’s Chorus will join us, and back by popular demand, First State Ballet Theatre will dance excerpts from The Nutcracker. One of our favorite and most festive nights of the year, make POPS GOES THE HOLIDAY part of your holiday tradition.
PROGRAM
Anderson A Christmas Festival
Hark the Herald Angels Sing
O Come O Come Emmanuel
Rimsky-Korsakov Dance of the Tumblers
Tchaikovsky Nutcracker Selections
Stephenson Bassoon It Will Be Christmas
Anderson Sleigh Ride
Vaughan Williams Greensleeves
Richman Hanukkah Festival Overture
Selections performed by Kennett Symphony Children’s Chorus
Music Can Change the World
Annual Family Concert &
Post-Concert Instrument Zoo/Musician Meet & Greet
Sunday, March 13, 2016, 2:00pm
Venue: Asplundh Hall, West Chester University
Our Family Concerts are the perfect opportunity to ignite your child’s imagination and love of classical music. This year’s concert is entitled, “Music Can Change the World.” This fun, educational and engaging concert examines the power of music to affect us all. Kids also get the opportunity to get up close and personal with the instruments of the orchestra. A wonderful experience for the whole family.
PROGRAM
Williams Olympic Fanfare
Barber Adagio for Strings
Liszt Hungarian Rhapsody No. 2
Wagner Siegfried Idyll
Verdi Anvil Chorus
Sibelius Finlandia
Beethoven Ode To Joy
MASTERWORKS 2: Immortal Beethoven
Sunday, April 3, 2016, 7:30pm
Michael Hall, Conductor
Margaret Dziekonski, Violin
Venue: Conservatory, Longwood Gardens
Da-da-da-dum….the most famous four notes in history. No other musical statement can match its raw power and intensity. Beethoven’s 5th symphony is the composer’s moving expression of triumph over adversity. Up and coming Polish-American violinist Margaret Dziekonski dazzles with Mendelssohn’s Violin Concerto, recognized as one of the greatest violin concertos of all time. All performed in the glorious Exhibition Hall at Longwood Gardens.
PROGRAM
Sibelius Valse Triste
Mendelssohn Violin Concerto
Beethoven Symphony No. 5
Symphony Under The Stars:
Postcards from Abroad – A Musical Journey Through Europe
Saturday, August 13, 2016, 7:00pm
Rain Date: Sunday, August 14, 2016, 7:00pm
Michael Hall, Conductor
Sein An, Violin, Young Artist Competition Winner
Venue: Open Air Theatre, Longwood Gardens
Enjoy a relaxing summer night of music under the stars. This casual outdoor evening performance features an eclectic mix of light classics and pops, beginning with Rossini’s tantalizing Overture to the Barber of Seville and concluding with the atmospheric Polovetsian Dances by Borodin. Included is a performance of the first movement of the Tchaikovsky Violin Concerto by the winner of our Instrumental Competition, Sein An. Come revel in a fun and memorable experience with the Symphony.
PROGRAM
Rossini Overture to the Barber of Seville
Tchaikovsky Violin Concerto, Movement 1: Allegro Moderato
Lloyd Webber Evita
Mozart The Abduction of the Seraglio
Schönberg Les Misérables
Borodin Polovetsian Dances
Subscriptions and tickets to the 2015-16 season are on sale now. Special discounts and benefits apply to subscriptions. Student ticket prices available.
About the Kennett Symphony of Chester County:
The KSCC is celebrating its 75th anniversary this year. Founded in 1940, the Kennett Symphony is Chester County’s only fully professional symphony orchestra, and serves the residents of Southeastern Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland and New Jersey, along with thousands of tourists who attend the Kennett Symphony’s popular summer concerts at Longwood Gardens. The Symphony’s mission is to serve the community by enriching lives through music. In addition to presenting varied and entertaining orchestral concerts, the Kennett Symphony encourages young musicians through annual Young Artist Competitions and its affiliation with the Kennett Symphony Children’s Chorus. More information can be found at www.kennettsymphony.org
A line from an old TV commercial – “You’ve come along way, baby” – can readily be applied to the Rachel Kohl Library in Concord Township.
The library, which serves five municipalities, including Chadds Ford Township, opened 35 years ago when very few people had a home computer. Now it has its own 3D printer that will become available for public use sometime in September, said Amy Abella, the library’s director.
The Cube 3D printer will be available for public use in the middle of September.
And it’s all up to the user to decide what’s printed.
“You can print a vase, a tie hanger; you can print jewelry. The possibilities are endless, and that’s what’s so great about 3D printers,” Abella said.
During an anniversary celebration on Aug. 29, Abella said that the library actually serves much more than just those five municipalities. It also serves people from Chester County and those who come up from the state of Delaware.
“There’s a real community spirit in that it started in the school, then into a trailer,” she said.
The library moved into the permanent structure in 1989 when the building was constructed, Abella said. It shared the building with the township offices until Concord moved from the Smithbridge Road facility to Thornton Road.
Abella became director in September 2014 and said she’s trying to turn it into a community center. Part of that concept is the inclusion of the 3D printer in what she calls a “maker space area.”
A lithopane made in plastic with a 3D printer.
There will also be video and editing software, as well as a Wacom tablet for artists to digitize their work to get it on computers. She also said the library is opening its community room for more tutoring space.
“We’re really trying to reach out and build the different areas. We have a really vibrant children’s department. We did cake decorating in the summer and will be doing cookie demonstrations later. We’re really trying to make sure we’re doing programming for all levels.” Abella said.
At the same time, she added, books and reference material are available for public use, just as before.
To help raise money for the library, the Rachel Kohl Friends will be holding a Bingo Night on Sunday, Sept. 20. Local businesses will be providing prizes and proceeds go Rachel Kohl Library, according to Jean Mackenzie, who’s on the library’s board of trustees.
(Top photo: Little duffers have some playtime during the 35th anniversary celebration for Rachel Kohl Library.)
Rich Schwartzman has been reporting on events in the greater Chadds Ford area since September 2001 when he became the founding editor of The Chadds Ford Post. In April 2009 he became managing editor of ChaddsFordLive. He is also an award-winning photographer.
