Music at Archway's Lower Campus

Ms. Jen, Archway’s Music teacher, is off to a tremendous start this year. In two short months she has been busy supporting her students in composing and performing musical pieces and making some of their instruments. Students have created some of their own musical instruments using tins, clay topped skewers (mallots) and filled plastic bottles (shakers) for percussion instruments. She is never lacking in creativity (remember the pvc pipe digeridoos?) or flexibility.

A few members of the fifth grade class decided to start a band this year. The band is called Dark Universe and they gave their first performance at the Walkathon where they provided spectacular entertainment during the lunch break. They have composed their own songs and I am sure they will continue to develop new skills under Ms. Jen’s guidance.

As additional entertainment, the first through 4th graders performed some songs they have been working on in preparation for a performance at the Claremont House.

Both the first and second grades and then the third and fourth grades walked to the Claremont House (retirement home) for a scheduled performances. They arrived to find their audience already seated and waiting for them.

They sang three songs including “The Lion Sleeps Tonight” and played a percussion piece which they collaboratively composed.

Also, this week Ms. Jen invited John Imholz, father of Fanya and David, to do a demonstration with a number of string instruments with the 3rd and 4th grade classes.

Thanks Ms. Jen for providing Archway students with these rich and varied musical experiences. And thanks to John, too.

Archway's Walkathon 2007

Another Walkathon has come and gone but the memories (and photos) will linger on. In the true spirit of community, Archway parents, teachers and students all chipped in to make this one a successful event . Many walkers came in costume and I was lucky enough to run into bug first thing in the morning before she decided to ditch her lovely lady bug costume.

I also met up with a small group on patrol

friends walking together

as well as a fairy or two

and many other interesting costumes

Thanks to all of the parents who planned organized and staffed the event and a special thanks to the upper campus students who helped cover some of the corners and the new fun stations. Snow cones were especially popular with tired walkers. We also added popcorn, button making and spin art.

The button/spin art station where walkers could design and create their own button was also quite busy.

The food was delicious and gorgeous. Thanks to those who planned, shopped and cooked to provide the grilled meats, tofu, vegetables and salads.

The walkathon provides a space for families to spend time together walking and talking with each other and with other Archway families. This year we had a sunny and fair day just perfect for visiting and catching up.

At the end of the day my favorite part is seeing students who have given of themselves to support their school and the pride that comes with their accomplishment. The money the students raise from this event goes to support Archways' music and art programs.

See you there next year around the same time and same place!

Walkathon is Coming Sunday, Oct. 21st

If you haven't already, you should definetly mark your calendar for Archway's Walkathon 2007. It's scheduled from 9:00-2:00 at the Oakland Campus on Sunday Oct. 21st. Just sign up some sponsors, show up and walk to be eligible for lots of fun and prizes. Check some of them out below:

Prizes For Lower Campus Students:

Prizes for Lap Walking

Most Laps Walked: Two (2) tickets for Six Flags Discovery Kingdom

Every 5 Laps: A ticket for Popcorn or a Sno-cone

Every 10 Laps: A trip to the Grab Bag Station: Win Assorted Prizes
Including: Golden Tee Golfland miniature golf passes, puzzles, games, kick balls, key chains, disc shooters, jewelry, candy and more

30 Laps or More: A Friday lunch and treat with your teacher and an ice cream cone gift certificate


Prizes for Fund Raising

1st Prize: $50 gift card for a toy store

2nd Prize: Three (3) Movie passes

3rd Prize: Two (2) rounds of miniature golf at Golden Tee Golfland

Top Class: An Ice Cream Sundae Party

Prizes For Upper Campus Students:

Prizes for Lap Walking

Most Laps Walked: Recording Artist of your choice Merchandise Gift Package
(Will include: t-shirts, hats, programs and much more)

Every 5 Laps: A ticket for Popcorn or a Sno-cone

Every 10 Laps: A trip to the Grab Bag Station: Win Assorted Prizes
Including: Boomers gift certificates, iTunes gift card, puzzles, games, kick balls, key chains, disc shooters, jewelry, candy and more

30 Laps or More: Off Campus Lunch and Lunch Gift Card

Prizes for Fund Raising

1st Prize: 2 Live Nation Rock Concert Vouchers
(you choose the show)

2nd Prize: $25 Gift Card
(you choose: Old Navy, Gap, iTunes or Cody’s Bookstore)

3rd Prize: $15 Starbucks Gift Card

Top Class: Bowling Party at Albany Bowl

And then just for fun there will be:


Button Making, Spin Art, Face Painting, Tattoos, Candy Give-Aways, Hair Coloring and Dress Up Accessories, Lunch and Live Entertainment (Ms. Jen, Archway's Music Teacher, has been working with a student band that will provide lunchtime entertainment)


If you still haven't signed up to volunteer, just email juliemjonsson@40yahoo.com or marjorieherman@comcast.net and let them know you want to help. And you can always contact Bridget, Archway Director of Development at brivezzo@comcast.net or 517- 6777.