Did you set a New Year's resolution? I did, but did you know...

A 2007 study by Richard Wiseman involving 3,000 people found that 88% of those who set New Year resolutions fail?

Even after reading this data point, I still set some goals. I believe that failing is a necessary part of learning. In fact, I take comfort in the words of Michelangelo when he stated,

"The greater danger for most of us lies not in setting our aim too high and falling short; but in setting our aim too low, and achieving our mark."

So, aim high and fail! Fail again and then fail better. Learn from your mistakes and keep making small changes that will ultimately lead to success. Allow 2023 to be the fresh start you need to not only improve your teaching but also your life.

THANK YOU for taking a bit of time to read this newsletter. Let me know if there is anything I can do anything to help you and the important work that you are doing.

Here's to a great 2023!

Chris

The contest is open to Wisconsin students in multiple age groups, and the top three entries in each age group will be displayed in the Wisconsin State Capitol and will advance to the national competition. In addition, they will be awarded: 1st Place: $100 gift card for art or aviation supplies OR an airplane ride for the winner and a guest; 2nd Place: $75 gift card for art or aviation supplies; 3rd Place: $50 gift card for art or aviation supplies

For more information, visit the WisDOT Art Contest webpage: http://wisconsindot.gov/artcontest

As you know, this past fall I traveled over 1,600 miles throughout Wisconsin visiting visual art, media art, music, and theatre classrooms. I surveyed those I visited (and few unexpected, but welcomed additions) and these are the results. If you have time, take a look. The data is rich with context and certainly mirrors the challenges faced in classrooms today. I will continue asking these questions on future visits and would always welcome your input.

In 1979, President Carter expanded the United States Presidential Scholars Program to honor up to 20 students who demonstrate excellence in the visual, creative and performing arts through an artistic competition. For two years, the Arts Recognition and Talent Search (ARTS) is conducted by the Educational Testing Service (ETS in Princeton, NJ) for the U.S. Presidential Scholars in the Arts.

In 1981, the ARTS competition is formally transferred from ETS to the National Foundation for the Advancement of the Arts (NFAA), a non-profit organization founded by Ted and Lin Arison. Today known as YoungArts, they have served more than 20,0000 artists across the country.

Every year thousands of performing, visual and literary artists age 15-18 apply to YoungArts through our national competition. Finalists attend National YoungArts Week to collaborate with peers and develop their crafts with internationally recognized leaders in their fields. Finalists in their senior year are further eligible for nomination as a U.S. Presidential Scholar in the Arts—one of the nation’s highest honors for high school students.

All award winners—including Finalist, Merit and Honorable Mention award levels—receive mentorship and financial awards; gain access to a lifetime of creative, professional development and funding opportunities; and become part of an uplifting, inter-generational community that helps artists connect, create and collaborate.

CONGRATULATIONS to the following Wisconsin students who were selected in the following areas:

Honorable Mention

Sophie Tosh - Kettle Moraine High School (Dance)

Ashley Olszewski - Pius Xi High School, Milwaukee (Photography)

Charley Vander Molen - Milwaukee School of the Arts (Voice)

Merit

Angel Rivera - Pius Xi High School, Milwaukee (Theatre)

Lily Marquardt - Pius Xi High School, Milwaukee (Visual Arts)

Wisconsin is very proud of you! The 2024 YoungArts application opens June 2023.

As stated by the CMA "Over the last decade, the CMA Foundation has been committed to investing in quality music education throughout the country. As our work has progressed and we’ve learned more about the overwhelming challenges that face music education – and its educators, we felt motivated to go beyond simply supporting the education system but to also champion the incredible human beings who go well above and beyond their role and responsibilities in the classroom and who are vital to their students and communities."

Teachers can learn more and apply here: https://cmafoundation.org/music-teachers-of-excellence/

For the eight area high schools marching in the 134th Tournament of Roses Parade on January 2, 2023, it has been a season of firsts.

Nearly 400 students form the Wisconsin Northwoods Marching Band. It was the first time any band from Northern Wisconsin has been in the parade. Not only was the combined ensemble the largest band to march in 2023, but it also will make the record books as the second largest marching band in Rose Parade history.

For the band members, staff, proud families and supporters, it was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. They marched with 20 other bands from all across the U.S., Japan, Mexico, Taiwan and Panama, and perform for 700,000 viewers along the 5.5 mile parade route in Pasadena, California.

“That’s enough people to fill Lambeau Field 10 times!” exclaimed Lakeland Union High School Band Director Bill Richter. “It’s just mind-blowing!” Millions more watched on television and online.

Marching in the Rose Parade has been years in the making, and countless hours of practice, fundraising and logistical preparations.

Congratulations to music educators Forrest Mann (Northland Pines), Tyler Schuster (Mosinee), Robert Perkins (Wausau East), Bethany Puffer (Three Lakes), Austin Kappel (Antigo), Elli Wilk (Merrill), Bill Richter (Lakeland Union), Joe Finnegan (D.C. Everest).

Read More About It Here

Watch Them Perform In The Parade Here (start at 36:45)

Source Material: Kathy Cutforth, NorthwoodsNews.com

A Cedarburg High School senior aims to make a statement through art, and she's combining two of her passions. As an Advanced Placement (AP) Studio Art student, Janssen-Hayes is creating an entire portfolio all about climate change. Watch Video Here (great story!!)

Source Material: CBS 58 - Milwaukee

Elementary school students from Holmen have their art displayed at a downtown art gallery. The art of roughly 100 students is on the second floor of the Pump House Regional Arts Center in downtown La Crosse. Click Here To Watch The Story

Source Material: Channel 8000 – La Crosse

Marissa Bode, a former student from Mazomanie, will make her feature film debut as Nessarose, Elphaba’s sister in Jon M. Chu’s upcoming “Wicked” film. Bode, like her character, uses a wheelchair, and she has been acting since she was 8 years old. Read more about her amazing story here and here.

Source Material: Madison Magazine & Variety

Students at Four Corners Elementary School in Superior, WI spent a week creating musical odes to things that matter to them — snowmen, the Burstrom trail, Pattison Park, kindness and more — with the help of musician Charlie Maguire. They wrapped it up with a concert in the gymnasium Friday, Dec. 2, a pre-Christmas gift that will be opened via video during their holiday concert. Read More Here.

Source Material: Superior Telegram

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Humanities programs should be reflective experiences that engage the public. Programs can take many forms including exhibitions, performances, community discussions, guest speakers, workshops, oral history projects, panels, town halls, films, and more.

Deadline: December 15 | Major Grant applications
Deadline: February 1 | Mini Grant applications

https://wisconsinhumanities.org/grants/grants-for-humanities-programs/

WEDC will provide grants of up to $25,000 to public school districts, or up to $50,000 to consortiums of two or more districts, for the creation and/or expansion of fab labs.

https://wedc.org/blog/wisconsin-school-districts-encouraged-to-apply-for-fab-labs-grants-2022/

Arts & Culture: Ukraine is Here
Explore the arts and culture of Ukraine, from architecture to traditional crafts and food. Discover music, art, design, heritage and nature conservation through stories, videos, virtual tours, and 3D models to understand the history and creativity of the Ukranian people.

The healing power of the arts and humanities holds out hope for today’s young doctors-in-training from John Hopkins Medicine.

"...the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) released a monograph, The Fundamental Role of Arts and Humanities in Medical Education (FRAHME), last December. It calls on academic medical centers to better equip students and trainees with “emotional intelligence and critical thinking skills” through deeper “integrative experiences” with the arts and humanities." Read More Here

Source Material: Hopkins Medicine Magazine