There’s nothing more exciting than seeing a butterfly break free from its Chrysalis and emerge into the world! On Friday, our South Campus students experienced this phenomenon first-hand on their monthly field trip at the Pacific Science Center. Our students enjoyed the day exploring new concepts, participating in exhibits and experiments while expanding their knowledge. The invigorating day came to an end by laying under the stars in the planetarium, watching the lights illuminate the skies and sharing observations from the day’s events.
Curriculum Night With a Twist
Our second annual Foreign Language Curriculum Night was filled with cultural crafts, ethnic music and of course– delicious food made by our students! Guests were transported around the world with authentic cuisines and a *taste* of students’ studies. Posters and projects lined the walls, highlighting different countries and their cultures. Our host teachers tested student and parent knowledge on international topics with a game of “Who Wants to be an International Millionaire.” We were also serenaded by two of our students playing music inspired by a foreign language. The festivities ended viewing a fun and informative Japanese video demonstrating how to make origami. This night provided a little “spice” and lifted our spirits from the mid-autumn humdrums!
Students Gain Awareness
Friday, November 9th, our South Campus field trip class watched the play, Danny, King of the Basement. The theme of this play is homelessness. In order to prepare for the outing and to gain a deeper understanding, the school studied this heartfelt topic. The week before the trip, the school dedicated a day a day to gain awareness around this compelling subject. The Junior High students made cookies for a local Women’s shelter (a teacher delivered them after school) and at the end of the day, everyone came together to watch the elementary students perform the play, Stone Soup. Afterwards, students participated in a group discussion and shared their insights about homelessness.
Guide Dog Puppy Shower
Woofs and Waggy tails!
Woof! I’m Yanna, a yellow Labrador Retriever. My black Lab puppy-pal, Yuri, and I just arrived at Chrysalis! Everyone was so excited to meet us last Friday, November 2nd. Maggie and Sarah picked us up in Oregon and brought us to our new, ‘temporary’ home, in Washington. We came all the way from California! Here at Chrysalis, after a much needed puppy potty break, we had a ‘green carpet’ ceremony where we got new toys and everyone petted and loved on us! I wagged my tail so much! People took lots of photos and videos and they even got to eat some really tasty looking ‘bone-shaped’ cookies. Yuri and I are going to become Guide Dogs one day. For the next 18 months, you’ll probably see us learning the ropes (and maybe chewing on them) as we get trained by our handlers here at Chrysalis.Yuri and I love being part of the Chrysalis family and we are excited to be part of the only school in Washington that will guide us from being untrained puppies to future Guide Dogs! Woof!
Inside Look into Safeway
Tuesday, October 30th – Mike Bauer, Kenmore Safeway Manager, welcomed the Tuesday Service Learning class into his store to explain how the grocery industry operated. He took the kids on a tour, explaining profit margin, product placement and how to run a successful store. The students had an opportunity to have a question and answer period afterwards. This hands-on experience would not have been achievable in a classroom. Thank you Mike.
Guide Dog Puppy Shower Flyer!
Fashion Friday!
Gorgeous models! Blaring music! Clicking cameras! Fashion Friday at Chrysalis was a hit with students, models and teachers alike. On October 19th, our creative arts team of Drama, Fashion and Photography came together to produce our first, fabulous, fashion photo shoot! The north campus theater was transformed into an edgy set right out of an Anthropologie catalog as Brittany, Ciarra, Anna and Chandler took the part of professional and stunning models. Nick, Tim, Elliot and Michael were our photographers snapping the fierce event. They were coached by our photography teachers Brendon and John. Students Elysse and Adelle were our brilliant make up artist and clothing stylist. Behind the scenes, our fashion and drama teachers, Margaret and Jennifer, worked tremendously hard to create a collaborative environment where student talent took center stage. Models were picture perfect as they scurried from makeup, to styling, to the set. Not only did everyone have an amazing hands-on experience, but the shots captured were “Vogue” worthy! Students are already buzzing about developing and participating in our next Fashion Friday event!
Learning, Sharing, Food and Friendship
On October 18th, many South Campus students and families gathered to celebrate autumn and American History. The school was filled with the delicious smells of pumpkin pie, cornbread, roasted vegetables and more. This was the first of four such celebrations where students act out folktales, display art projects and share what they’ve learned in different units. Third and fourth grade drama students presented a creative interpretation of RAVEN, a Native American folktale, using masks, movement and music. Fifth grade boys shared a puppet show about the LOG CHIEF and a silly story called GOOD & BAD. These 5th grade boys also created many of the set pieces and props for both groups. Several classes participated by sharing TALL TALES, COLONIAL GAMES and STATE REPORTS. It was a delightful afternoon of learning, sharing, food and friendship.
Guest Speaker – Lisa Yeeles
On Wednesday, October 17th, we welcomed Photo Editor, Lisa Yeeles from Eddie Bauer, to speak with us at the Chrysalis North Campus. In her fifth year as Editor, Lisa shared her experiences conducting and directing the design elements in a fashion catalog photo shoot. Eight of our fashion, design, drama and photography students participated, in preparation for our own in-school fashion shoot, this Friday.
Yeeles discussed the importance of collaboration and coordination within the team in order to make the magic happen. Other crucial elements come into play as well, such as location decisions, thematic direction of the shoot, current fashion trends and lighting, just to name a few. Ultimately, she stated that the number one driver in a photo shoot is…budget. Because catalog shoots are usually done a year in advance, staff members need to thoroughly prepare the numbers before they can research market trends, plan set location and start the the detailed process of catalog execution.
One student that attended was astonished by the complex process the photography undergoes and remarked “she showed us one progression of photos, how they looked right after the photos were taken and then with all the final editing.” Another student wondered about breaking into the fashion photography industry. Lisa replied with encouragement about pursuing passions, continuing education, the importance of making industry connections, building relationships and obtaining internships. It was a pleasure having her speak to our students and we appreciate her taking the time to educate us on the exciting process of catalog production.
Thank you Lisa!
Getting To Know Us…
Name: Kari (Language Teacher)
How long have you been working at Chrysalis: This is my 6th year.
What is your favorite activity outside of Chrysalis: Hiking and Backpacking.
What’s your favorite student success story: So many, but there’s one student that stands out, this student was someone who wouldn’t talk or socialize at the start [of the school year] but by the end [of the school year], he was always in the big room.
What’s one thing people don’t know about you: I ran with the bulls in Spain.