Once the school year was underway, FHES hosted an action packed Fall Festival, bringing together students, parents, and the community for a memorable event. Fuse Project staff and Order of Fuse members (Ruth McKee, Dixie Phillipi, Harley Griffin, Anna Cowart, Maddie Wright, Ginny Sprinkle) were able to join in on the fun by volunteering and assisting with two food stations. From perfectly melted cheese to crunchy pickles, student and parents lined up to indulge in a delicious nacho station and pickle table! Beyond the food table duties, the Fall Festival provided a fantastic opportunity to engage with students and their parents. We had the chance to chat with families and witness firsthand the strong sense of community that Florence Howard Elementary fosters in the Avenue community.

The goal of our ABC Academic Support Program is to create transformative learning opportunities that foster academic and personal growth. Thanks to the Order of Fuse members, this is the second year we have been able to partner with Round but Square Studios and The Cookery Project to provide a monthly Art and Cooking Club as enrichment opportunities for Florence Howard Elementary students. 

Art Club: Fostering Social-Emotional Learning

The focus of the Art Club this year is to provide additional social-emotional learning alongside the existing efforts of the schools. According to the Alabama State Council of the Arts, approximately 55% of elementary-aged children have minimal to no access to art education. Art education is a proven means of fostering social-emotional development. The 35 students in Art Club were provided with sketchbooks, serving as personal spaces for creative exploration throughout the school year. Lisa Howard, teaching artist with Round but Square, explained that a sketchbook is a personal space to explore and develop creative ideas. It records the thinking process through experimentation, often leading to outcomes – that become an art form in itself! Sketchbooks develop critical thinking skills and are important in tracking progress, as well as developing both thinking and mastering techniques. She conveyed the importance of learning to trust the process and enjoy the freedom of self-expression.

During both sessions, students were engaged in using various art techniques and art mediums. For example, session one included drawing an array of lines to create a border on their sketchbook. The next session focused on the significance of their hands. They engaged in a tracing activity, highlighting the various purposes for their hands as they created an art purpose with their hand as the focal point. The emphasis on building confidence in art, where there are no mistakes, continues to be a guiding principle. Volunteers such as Morgan Worley, Maggie Shreve, and Mandee Conkle were vital at making the Art Club sessions engaging and meaningful.

Cooking Club: A Culinary Adventure

The Cooking Club, with 45 students participating in each session, is a culinary adventure aimed at teaching not only cooking skills but also incorporating elements of STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math). As these students engage in hands-on learning, they also are taught how to create sustainable meals while incorporating nutritious ingredients. Under the instruction of Karrie Nelson with The Cookery Project, students did it all from crafting walking taco salads to assembling festive holiday skewers. Through both sessions students discovered the art of making healthy choices, practiced measurement through hands-on experiences, and learned the science behind cooking. Volunteers like Anna Cowart, Cecily Harper, Abbey Huguley, Courtni Carter, Melissa Edge, and Jane Bartlett Nenstiel made these sessions both tasty and fun.

As Fuse Project reflects on the first semester and looks ahead, we are motivated by the impact that has been made and anticipate more growth as we continue providing transformational opportunities for students in our community. We are excited to start the second semester and encourage these students to embrace challenges with determination, ensuring a memorable and successful academic journey for all.