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Rochambeau Students Express Their
Thoughts In early Fall 2006, approximately 100 sixth and seventh grade students from Rochambeau Middle School were challenged to create a written or artistic expression based on their feelings about homeland security, safety, and conflicts. The Connecticut Commission on Children, the state Department of Education, the state Department of Emergency Management & Homeland Security, and the Connecticut Association of Public School Superintendents invited students to share their thoughts on “Coping in an Uncertain World” through prose, poetry, and art. “When I presented the idea to the students,” said RMS art-tech teacher, Mr. Adam Wallenta, “the focus was for them to illustrate how they feel about these tragic events and to express their own personal thoughts. I let them choose the subject and let them run with it. We discussed each event and its impact on the world around us and how we can improve the world in light of it all. They were to use color to express themselves through their art. They were also to focus on the idea and composition to communicate their feelings; the actual skill level wasn't the focus.” The students first used pencil to sketch their work then colored it with colored pencils and colored pastels. A team of state leaders and artists selected the winning 100 pieces of poetry, prose, or artwork from over 1,500 items, statewide. The Connecticut Commission on Children chose eight Rochambeau Art-Tech students to represent their recent Homeland Security project, titled “Coping in an Uncertain World.” The following Southbury students have been chosen by the state to represent their artwork: Julia B., Jack D., Nicole K., Cameron M., Megan M., Emily M., Tom N., and Leanne S. Ms. Patricia Estill, Director of Special Projects for the Connecticut Commission on Children gave kudos to the Rochambeau Middle School artists. “You gave the judges a tough assignment. You have talented students. It seems you and your students really talked about subject and style before they worked. Bravo to all.” The presentation was held on May 15, 2007 at the Legislative Office Building in Hartford, adjacent to the State Capitol. At this event, state leaders discussed the steps they have taken to ensure the safety of children in the aftermath of terrorism or natural disaster. Created in 1985 by the Connecticut General Assembly, the 25-member Commission on Children brings together the three branches of government--legislative, executive, and judicial--as well as the private sector to promote public policies in the best interests of children. To view the artwork by the Rochambeau Middle School students, go to: http://www.cga.ct.gov/COC/PDFs/homelandsecurity/2007_artwork.pdf Their art work is posted on pages 16, 17, 19, 24, 25, 26, 41, and 42.
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