FEATURE
WEST NEWTON
ELEMENTARY
SCHOOL
TOTEM POLES
West Newton Elementary School is an Artful Learning School.
Content matter is taught using arts-based skills such as visual arts,
dance and drama to support learning. Literacy, Math and Science
are taught every day using methods that are active, hands on and
exciting for our students. At West Newton Elementary there is a rich
tradition of parent and family participation which is so important for
each child’s success at school. Part of West Newton’s culture is
to encourage Tiger Pride by celebrating outstanding attendance,
wonderful effort, and respectful behavior each month during Tiger
Time.
On November 6th, they cut the ribbon for the official permanent
placment of their totem poles created by their students with
guidance from their school teachers, administrators and parents. It
is best described by the students involved. Here are a few of their
comments:
I like the dedication in making the totem poles. I know it takes a
long time to make but it turns out really nice and I liked that a lot
of the kids got to help make them. I like that you put the totem
poles there because if I ever drove next to there again I would
remember the memories I had help making a totem. I’m very
happy that you finished the totems and they turned out better
than I would expect. I really hope they last for years for people to
remember earlier years they had making them.
– Charlie, 6th grade, Age 11
The totems are really cool the way we stacked them on the pole.
Also how it’s all about Indiana. I especially admire the Indy car
totem. Now I can say when I grow up that I was in 6th grade when
the totems went up.
— Gavin, 6th grade, Age 11
When I was in 5th grade I helped make the totems that are out in
front of our school. I helped make the shape of them and when I
was doing that I got really messy but I still kind of had fun doing it.
I made some of the designs on them and I also painted some of
the small pieces. Some times when we were making them it was
boring but other than that I had fun making the totems.
— Abigail, 6th grade, Age 11
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