Art students to learn about alpacas
Select students from Community Unit District 300's three high schools will have the opportunity to participate in a unique art project this month.
Funded through the District 300 Foundation for Educational Excellence, the second Visiting Artist grant welcomes Elgin-based fiber artist Susan Waldron for a three-day workshop on Sept. 7, 8 and 9 at her alpaca farm.
Students will see more than 30 alpacas at the Waldron Grove Alpaca Farm and have the opportunity to see Waldron at work.
Waldron has also prepared a special workshop for students to learn more about the materials and create their own fiber tapestry.
The foundation will also host an art fair and instrument drive at Algonquin Commons on Sept. 24 and 25.
This will be the third year for the art fair and second year for the instrument drive. The art fair will take place from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday, Sept, 24, and from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 25, between Cheeseburger in Paradise and the Thirsty Whale. Algonquin Commons is located just south of the intersection of Randall and County Line roads.
Local and surrounding area artists will display and sell works of art and the fair will also include a special display by District 300 art students. All proceeds benefit District 300 through the Foundation for Educational Excellence.
The Second Annual Instrument Drive will be accepting new and gently used musical instruments to stock the district's “lending library” for middle school students who are interested in music education. Instrument donations will be accepted at the D300 Foundation tent located outside Cheeseburger in Paradise, as well as the guest services desk located next to the Aeropostale store.
Donors of musical instruments will receive two raffle tickets for a chance to win a prize provided by one of the participating artists.
Top teacher: Dundee Middle School sixth-grade math teacher Kristine Pizzolato was recently named the District 300 Distinguished Educator of the Year for the 2010-2011 school year. Now in her ninth year at Dundee Middle School, Pizzolato is a team leader who serves as a mentor for her colleagues.Dundee Middle School Assistant Principal Andrew Reinke said Pizzolato is an asset in and out of the classroom.#8220;She works wonders with students and is also a community contributor,#8221; Reinke said. #8220;She always goes above and beyond what she needs to do for the kids, first and foremost.#8221;