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Neighbor News

CUSD300 Education Conference Celebrates Collaboration

Educators from District 300 attend ED2ED and Parapalooza conferences to work together in all-day event

Sam Sieber, Neighbor
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Educator Janine Haugen adds an inspirational quote to the mural (Photo by Creative Arts Inc.)
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Educators add messages of growth and positivity to the mural (Photo by Creative Arts Inc.)
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Creative Arts Coordinator Thomas Egger (left) helps an educator add to the mural. Creative Arts Director Sam Sieber (right) paints grass on the mural. (Photo by Creative Arts Inc.)
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Completed collaborative mural (Photo by Creative Arts Inc.)

Over one thousand D300 educators participated in ED2ED and Parapalooza conferences at Gary D. Wright Elementary and Hampshire High School on March 3rd. The conferences included speakers, seminars, and a collaborative arts project.


Themes of growth and inspiration were reflected in the day's art project, a 16-foot long mural created by adding messages of hope of sticky notes shaped like leaves, butterflies, and flowers to the painted sky and tree branches. Attending educators added notes throughout the day, working together to create the art piece. Messages on the sticky notes included "Be Kind", "Hope", "Love" and "Be Yourself". Participants spoke of writing these messages with their students and family members in mind. Some took photos of their messages to send to friends.

The interactive mural was designed by Sam Sieber, Director of Creative Arts Inc. nonprofit art studio in Crystal Lake. Learn more about Creative Arts Inc.: www.creativeartsinc.org

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