Celebrating Creativity and Culinary Skills: 2024 Clubs Showcase at Florence Howard Elementary School
The halls of Florence Howard Elementary School were buzzing with excitement as parents, students, and educators gathered for the May Clubs Showcase. This event celebrated the hard work and creativity of the students involved in the Art and Cooking Clubs, programs made possible through our ABC Program’s Academic Support Program. Funded by Fuse Project and spearheaded by Round But Square Studios and The Cookery Project, these clubs have provided invaluable hands-on learning experiences throughout the school year.
A Day of Celebration and Recognition
Principal Regina Flowers opened the showcase with a warm welcome to the gathered parents and families. She highlighted the importance of clubs in fostering connections among students beyond their regular classrooms, stating, "Clubs are a great way for kids to get to know other students who weren’t in their actual class." Mrs. Flowers emphasized the significance of STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) in preparing children for future careers, adding, "Hands-on learning is key, and that is exactly what clubs are."
In a heartfelt ceremony, Mrs. Flowers presented Partners in Education awards to Lisa Howard of Round But Square Studios, Karrie Nelson of The Cookery Project, and Fuse Project. She praised these organizations for their collaborative efforts in enriching the students' educational experiences.
Showcasing Talents and Learning
Parents were given a glimpse into the traffic light system discussed in the Cooking Club, where students learned about making healthy food choices. They also had the opportunity to explore the various recipes their children had created and enjoyed throughout the year.
The Art Club's contribution to the showcase was equally impressive. Students' art journals were proudly displayed, offering a window into their creative journeys. An interactive art activity at the Showcase allowed parents and children to bond over painting inspiration worksheets, a testament to the power of creative expression.
To read more about the specific projects students worked on each month, click here.
Voices of the Students
The true stars of the day were the students, who shared their thoughts and experiences from their time in the clubs. A 5th grader from the Art Club expressed, "My favorite thing about Art Club was the nice notes they gave me. They inspired me," while a 3rd grader added, "My favorite thing about Art Club was the creativity. We got to draw what we felt."
The Cooking Club also received high praise from the young participants. A 5th grader shared, "My favorite thing about Cooking Club was making all the recipes. I feel like I’m being myself when I’m cooking food," and a 2nd grader noted, "My favorite thing about Cooking Club was experiencing new things."
Honoring Our Partners
These clubs, and thus this showcase, wouldn't have been possible without the dedication and passion of our partners.
Lisa Howard of Round But Square Studios has been a driving force in the Art Club for two years, using art journals to provide personalized feedback and encouragement to the students. Her creativity and commitment have nurtured the artistic potential within each child, fostering a love for the arts at Florence Howard Elementary School. We are incredibly grateful for Lisa's selfless contributions and her extraordinary impact on the community.
Karrie Nelson, the heart and soul behind The Cookery Project, has also been instrumental in the success of the Cooking Club. Her passion for nutrition and teaching children about healthy food choices has empowered students to make better dietary decisions. Karrie’s introduction of the traffic light system has simplified nutrition for the young minds, making it an engaging and practical concept. Her upbeat energy and dedication have made a lasting impression, nurturing both the minds and bodies of our future generation.
Looking Forward
The May Clubs Showcase at Florence Howard Elementary School was more than just an event; it was a celebration of creativity, learning, and community. Thanks to the incredible efforts of Lisa Howard, Karrie Nelson, and the unwavering support of Fuse Project, students are not only gaining new skills but also discovering their passions and building confidence. We look forward to continuing these enriching programs and witnessing the continued growth and success of our young artists and chefs.
Thank you to all the teachers, volunteers, and partners who made this year’s clubs and showcase so memorable. Together, we are creating transformational change and closing the opportunity gap for our children.