What a fabulous turnout of families and community members we had join us after school on April 8th to view the Great North American Solar Eclipse! After donning our eclipse safety glasses, gasps and exclamations could be heard as we waited and watched the moon and sun put on a show. Our budding astronomers learned how the moon's passage between the earth and sun fully or partially obstructs the sunlight for a short time. While we were not within the "path of totality" (now a well-known concept), students felt the sudden drop in temperature and some noticed "that the birds got quieter." Thank you, families, for participating in this amazing experience with us!
What a treat we had having Jason Brown, also known as “Firefly,” perform at PIES on Thursday, April 25th! A music maker and tradition keeper of the Wabanaki Peoples’ Penobscot Nation who has performed at prestigious venues including the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, Firefly performed “traditional hand drum, shaker and vocal songs rooted in his ancestral traditions” that also wove in contemporary rhythms. Firefly’s engagement with our PreK – grade five audience was pretty magical as he invited everyone to clap, dance, sing and chant. Some of our students also joined Firefly on stage using traditional drums and shakers as he led them in song. Firefly’s clothing reflected traditional Wabanaki symbolism found in nature that was juxtaposed with the fluffy white jacket he wore with its flashing lights that represented more futuristic vibes. This multifaceted performance concluded with a whole school circle dance around the gym and grades two through five students playing traditional instruments as a thank you to Firefly. Very special thanks to our own music teacher extraordinaire Ms. Faith for bringing Firefly to PIES and to the many community donors who made this performance possible.
