Tech, Art Show to Highlight Middleburgh Student Talents - 25 April 2024

MIDDLEBURGH - Technology and art students will get a chance to show off their talents at the district's Festival of Technology and Arts on June 7.

Elementary art teacher Kim Audino and secondary school technology teacher Scott Gray updated school board members last week on updates in both departments as well as others last Wednesday.

Ms. Audino, the Pre-K-12th grade coordinator of the music, art, foreign language, and guidance counselor departments, said there are several important programs in the elementary art department. 

This year, she said, additions include an "artist of the month," and a kindness rock garden. She is also the guest artist at the elementary school after-school program. She had also had student-teacher lessons during the school year. In addition, the art club, open to fourth through sixth graders, now has bout 60 members and the book club has 35 members and meets twice a month. The members of the book club were writing and illustrating their own book and hosted an author who spoke to the club.

Zoe Santoro, the secondary art teacher has been instructing students in art history and the district Spanish Club has discussed the language and diverse peoples.

Mr. Gray, the Pre-K-12th grade coordinator of the CTE, technology, Family and Consumer Services, business, agriculture, physical education, health, and library departments spoke about what students learn in the technology classes in the secondary school.

The students build their own CO2 racers, and rockets and also design and learn the history of rockets. He noted that safety is foremost in the programs. He said that a new class is high school design and drawing for production.

The 10th graders can join the CADCAM 3D class that cooperates with SUNY Cobleskill, at which Mr. Gray also teaches. The 11th graders can join a CRE class and learn about electricity, plumbing, framing, masonry, carpentry, and more. For 11th and 12th graders, there is also an independent study program that is worth five college credits.

The technology club, Mr. Gray told school board members, has 45 members and the students enjoy using equipment after school. The department is seeking a grant for a new printer.

He noted that the CO2 racers, rockets, and more will be on display at the Festival of Technology and Arts at the school on June 7.

In other departments, Mr. Gray said the ag program and FFA under Ms. Fagnani, visited college campuses and Camp Oswegatchie. The business department moved its school store and the FBLA received several awards.