Page School notes: Auction raises $50,000 to fund programs

The Page School auction held true to its theme, "Rock Around the Auction Clock," on March 8, with 1950s decorations, life-size cars, juke boxes, authentic records and even a special appearance by "Elvis." The 270 people who attended this year's auction fundraiser were delighted by the transformation of DiBurro's Function Hall, and spokeswoman Maureen Hart said, "Everyone had such a great time, and they wish it wasn't another three years until we could do it again."

The auction resulted in about $50,000 of funding for programs like cultural arts, artist in resident programs, SMART Board technology, playground equipment and many others. Anna Marie Beech, event director, said "In light of today's economy, we are very happy to make this amount of money."

Hart and Beech spoke for many Page School parents when they said, "We would like to thank our sponsors, particularly our platinum sponsor, Pentucket Medical, as well as the many local businesses that donated to make this event successful."

With the help of members of the community and numerous volunteers, Beech was "happy to report that the evening was a tremendous success."

Parents of fifth- and sixth-graders should note that students will be learning about puberty and the male and female reproductive systems as a part of this year's health curriculum. A parent preview session is being offered tomorrow at 7 p.m. in the middle school auditorium. A video and a discussion about the curriculum taught in each grade will take place at this preview session. Parents are encouraged to attend this informative meeting. For more information, contact Ruth Brophy at 978-363-5507, ext. 130.

Inspired by the work "Three Lines" by George Rickey at the DeCordova Museum in Lincoln, fifth-grade students at Page School created kinetic structures out of household materials. The structures are being displayed in the school library right now, and some members of the class are proudly showing their art projects off.

The students' ideas originated on paper, and then were transformed into sculptures made out of materials like wood, tin, fishing line, paper, beads, etc., using tools including saws, drills, hammers and hot glue guns. Students said they really enjoyed building their structures because they got to use tools, which made them feel older than their years.

However, Madeline Torrisi said, "It really stunk when you messed up and had to start all over." As a solution to this problem, Sevine Clarey advised, "Sometimes the simplest things are the best." Her classmates agreed, saying they learned a lot about problem solving and group cooperation through the art project.

Art teacher Kate Wood has been teaching the unit on sculptures, particularly involving kinetics, for two years. She said that it is a very long process, but the unanimous positive response from the kids shows that the projects are worth the time.

Photos

"Elvis" performs at the Page School fundraiser "Rock Around the Auction Clock." Courtesy photo