A Director's Perspective

by Eva Grant, Class of 2013
3-2-1 ACTION…

Working with Catherine, Caroline, Nick, Lucy, Tamara, Dorsey, Catherine, Truman, and Jonathan on this production has been a privilege. My years in Milton middle school were much like Darcy's in the upcoming production of Darcy's Cinematic Life. I would have described myself in similar ways that she does, as a "slightly different, semi-outcast," and spent a lot of my time doing things like reading 100 books a year and ignoring the fact that hairstyles other than a low ponytail existed. I, like Darcy, was lucky to have an "overactive imagination;" and, instead of it bringing me toward film, I was steered towards acting. I was so lucky to have that joy, and now I am honored to bring it to my cast. 12-year-old me would be amazed at how far I've come, and I think everyone who has passed through adolescence feels the same about their own journey. Through working with this play, the ensemble, Ms. Simon and I, have discussed and addressed some of the most important themes of middle school, eventually highlighting the idea that with faith in oneself, and some creative thinking, everything will turn out the way it should. I hope everyone comes to see this uproarious and poignant production. I am proud of my cast, and grateful to Ms. Simon for everything she's done for me in these two months, and since I lived my own "cinematic life."

The 3-21 Studios Production of Darcy's Cinematic Life by Christa Crewdson (produced with permission from Playscripts, Inc.) will be presented in Ware, Room 101 on Thursday, May 23 at 7 p.m. and Friday, May 24 at 9:30 a.m. for the Middle School Community.

All are welcome!

THAT'S A WRAP! 

Editor's Note: Eva Grant began attending Milton Academy in Kindergarten; she will graduate in June. Eva is directing Darcy's Cinematic Life as her Senior Project.

The Prosthetic device challenge is a part of the seventh grade life science study of the musculo-skeletal system. Working in pairs, students design and construct a prosthetic device which can perform a range of activities including stacking blocks, picking up small objects such as legos and high bounce balls, and can even pour a cup of water into an empty vessel. The parameters of the project are wide and include only a few simple requirements. The devices:

• must include working parts that symbolize tendons and ligaments, as well as flexor and extensor muscle groups.
  
• must be constructed of household or recyclable materials.
  
• can only be manipulated using one hand to keep it authentic as a true prosthetic device.
  

Careful analysis went into the initial design, as student teams constructed prototypes and secondary designs. The final competition recently took place in each class section. Students were able to show off their innovations to their peers as they stacked Jenga blocks and bounced balls with their devices. Keeping an emphasis on process as well as an in-depth analysis of the final construction, students honed skills of critical thinking, problem solving, and collaboration throughout this experience.
 

Long before the fifth graders knew that their class play would have an Ancient Greek theme, they were studying the Ancient Greeks. In Literature, they studied mythology, while in Art, they focused on the pottery that was produced in Athens. Students learned about the sizes, shapes, and names of pots, such as the Skyphos (a cup used for everyday purposes) or the Amphora (a two-handled pot which could range in size from 50 cm to over two meters tall). They then created their own clay pots using the coiling method and designed them referencing images of historic Greek pottery. Please enjoy the display in the Greenleaf Lobby.

Fifth graders, as leaders of Greenleaf Hall and the Lower School, wanted to leave a lasting thank you to the teachers, staff, and schoolmates, who have made their K–5 experience so positive and powerful. Through their leadership work with Assistant Principal for Lower School Gretchen Larkin, the students formulated a vision: an appreciation tree. To do this, they enlisted the help of Lower School Art teacher Sandy Butler, who guided them through the many steps to making their plans a reality. That vision came to fruition last Friday, as students completed the painting of an appreciation tree mural in the hallway between Greenleaf and Thacher. 

David Gallo, an American oceanographer and Director of Special Projects at the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution joined today’s Milton Academy Lower School Earth Day celebration. Dr. Gallo is at the forefront of ocean exploration and has been part of many of the scientific discoveries that shape our view of planet earth. He has participated in expeditions to all of the world’s oceans and was one of the first scientists to use a combination of robots and submarines to explore the deep sea floor. Among Dr. Gallo’s most commonly known explorations are the remains of the Titanic.

Dr. Gallo’s presentation included information about ocean geography, the earth, water life, hydrothermal vents and astonishing animal behaviors. His overarching message focused on the relationship between humanity and the sea. Instead of taking the oceans for granted, Dr Gallo reminded students, faculty and parents that we need to recognize the oceans critical role in providing the air we breathe, the water we drink, and the food we eat.