What Lifts You?
What lifts you? What gives you joy? These are questions international street artist Kelsey Montague wants the viewers of her murals to ask themselves. In an effort to make social media a kinder place, she paints large murals of wings around cities all over the world and encourages the public to "step inside" her art and post a photo to social media as part of her #WhatLiftsYou campaign.
SJB faculty and students each designed a feather to contribute to our own school-wide mural inspired by Montague. They created many patterns and designs using a meditative process called zentangle. Zentangle art is non-representational and unplanned so the focus can be on each stroke rather than the final result. It’s a relaxing and fun way to create beautiful images by drawing structured patterns called tangles.
The faculty created their feather during a Professional Development team building exercise the week before school started. They reflected on their hopes and dreams for their students and took their art a step further by incorporating a wish or word of inspiration into their unique design. Words like "explore, lead, love, persevere...” are a moving testimony to what our teachers hold in their hearts and what they would like to share with the students. This mural symbolizes what can be achieved by working together -- each piece is a special and unique part of a much larger whole. Together, SJB can soar to new heights!
We invite you to stop by this mural in the main hallway and take a picture in front of it. Reflect on "What lifts you?" or "What gives you joy?" If you're so inclined, upload it on social media with your answer and tag us on Instagram @sjbsilverspring with #SJBWhatLiftsYou -- Mrs. Leishear, Art Teacher
Wall Mural at SJB
Tag Day Wednesday
Students May Come Out of Uniform With Suggested $1 or $2 Donation
Tag Day proceeds will go toward hiring a mariachi band for our celebration of Hispanic Heritage Day on Friday, Nov. 14. Students are encouraged to wear the colors of their class country. The plan is for the Student Council to raise half the money for the mariachi band and the school will contribute the other half.
What is the significance of a mariachi band?
Many people believe that the word “mariachi” comes from the French word “mariage,” since mariachi bands often perform at weddings. Others believe that the word mariachi was originally used in Mexico, long before the French arrived there. It is believed that the word came from the native Cora tribe in Mexico, as it describes a type of tree that grows in that region. This type of tree was used for wood to make many of the early mariachi instruments.
The mariachi band is steeped in tradition, weaving in many elements of the Hispanic culture. Intricate, embroidered clothing makes a mariachi band member’s appearance unique, complete with decorated boots and sombreros. The special mariachi outfit includes waist-length jackets, fitted pants and special bowties to complete the ensemble. Mariachi bands arrive dressed to impress!
Unlike most bands, a mariachi band is interactive and electrifying. Communicating with their audiences as they perform, mariachis include both emotion and soul in their music. They often move throughout a crowd, singing from table to table while maintaining eye contact with their listeners. Mariachi bands typically feature at least four musicians, but can include a dozen or more. Traditional instruments include a violin, a guitar, trumpets, and a vihuela, which is a smaller, five-string guitar with a round back. Whether a mariachi band performs at a birthday party, a farewell party, or a funeral, they always draw forth strong emotion through their music. It is a great honor in the Hispanic culture to witness a mariachi band’s performance! -- Mrs. Castillo, SJB Librarian and Middle School Language Arts Teacher
Blessing of the Pets at SJB on Tuesday, Oct. 4
The school will have a special pet-blessing ceremony after drop-off on Tuesday, Oct. 4, the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi, who loved all creatures. After dropping off children, parents are welcome to park and walk their leashed pets or carry their crated pets to the SJB Field.
At 8:15, classes will come to the field for a morning prayer and pet blessing by Father Nathanael on the on the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi, who wrote a Canticle of the Creatures: “All praise to you, Oh Lord, for all these brother and sister creatures."
