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Fun-filled Halloween at Arts Academy

On Friday, there were pumpkins, jack-O’-Lanterns, corn shucks, costumes, candy, cupcakes, and much more abounding across the district, celebrating Halloween since it fell on the weekend this year.

Walking into the Arts Academy at Bella Vista, I found myself almost immediately at the end of the line of Ruth Bridgwater’s second-grade class, making their way to the library. These little ones insisted I join them in their “Tour of the Spooky Library.” Librarian Jamie Petty, all dressed up and sporting a green face, had just begun to dramatically describe the tour, accompanied by the giggles of the little students: “Complete the trick to get the treat,” in her most dramatic voice, with lovely, eerie music in the background.

Wonderfully decorated with dimmed lights and bright, luminescent colors, highlighted by black lights, the library was a sight to behold. We made our way along the cauldron with swirling dry ice “steam,” through various stations, including a crawl through a dark cave (two rows of bookshelves lined with crinkled black butcher paper). The tour paused at the various displays, with students solving riddles and puzzles, and all received a treat out of the trunk at the end of the tour.

Truth be told, the whole experience was more beautiful than scary, typical of those creative AABV educators, especially the Spooky Library crew: Lisa Houfek (interventionist), Sara Hennessy (music teacher), and Alejandro Chacon.

Working my way down the hallway I came across Clovis Mayor Mike Morris chatting to Gabriela Lopez’s fourth-grade class, with all the students listening intently. Standing next to Morris was AABV Principal Phillip Lemke (dressed as Peanuts’ Charlie Brown, bright yellow t-shirt with black zig-zag stripe and all) facilitating the student Q&A session.

Later in Principal Lemke’s office, he and Jenn Wines (teacher on special assignment) filled me in on the events of the day. They included a trunk or treat outside in the parking lot, along with a pumpkin decorating contest.

Participation was tremendous, Lemke reported, with 18 families participating in the lively trunk or treat.

All in all, a fun-filled and unique Halloween experience at the Arts Academy.

Cindy Kleyn-Kennedy is the Instructional Technology Coordinator for the Clovis Municipal Schools and can be reached at:

[email protected]

 
 
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