Middle School

In 2019, Portland artist Anna Dibble began planning a collaborative public art installation to help promote stewardship and awareness by reconnecting people with the natural world. The multi-year art/science/education initiative would focus specifically on biodiversity changes in the Gulf of Maine caused by climate change and other human impacts. Anna founded the organization Gulf of Maine ECOARTS to coordinate the effort.

The exhibit’s central piece will be a fictional ecosystem—“a cross section of atmosphere, sky, and ocean featuring a 24-foot North Atlantic Right Whale and a selection of key endangered marine life, from phytoplankton to fishermen and Native Americans.” The installation will be designed and built by a collaborative team of professional sculptors and filmmakers, educators, and more than 100 students from across Maine, ranging from middle schoolers to college students. Disciplines will include science education, sculpture, painting, sound design, lighting, film, virtual reality, and—when the installation is in place—arts- and science-related programming. The sculptures will be fabricated from recycled material and repurposed beach debris.

Continue reading “Science/visual arts collaboration: seventh graders contribute models to traveling exhibition”

Waynflete is thrilled to once again be hosting the Hardy Girls Healthy Women annual “Girls* Rock!” conference on March 27.

Hardy Girls Healthy Women takes girls seriously through year-round, state-wide programs that put the power in their hands to challenge a society that ignores their brilliance. They dare adult allies to join them in standing with girls.

Continue reading “Waynflete set to host annual Girls Rock! conference”

Middle School Seminar teacher Kate Ziminsky uses restorative yoga poses and yin postures to help students reduce stress, calm nervous systems, and promote a peaceful sleep cycle.

Kate uses a stress relief and calming yoga video at times during Seminar, sometimes accompanied by gentle musical sounds from nature (ocean waves or babbling brooks) and a stretching sequence where students are supported with comfortable pillows and warmth. Parents can try using this sequence with their children at home before sleep.

The tradition continues! After completing in-depth studies about the Chinese Spring Festival, traditional customs, food, greetings, and the zodiac calendar, middle schoolers presented their findings in Assembly—including a dragon dance in celebration of Chinese New Year.