Ballou High School ​Visual Arts Department
2017-2018
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You Are Beautiful, In Every Single Way 

5/25/2015

 
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     The title of this blog is taken from the lyrics of a song entitled, "Beautiful" by Christina Agulera. It is one of my favorite songs of hers. The reframe to the song goes like this:
I am beautiful no matter what they say.
Words can't bring me down.
I am beautiful in every single way.
Yes, words can't bring me down...Oh no.
So don't you bring me down today. 
Did you know that 7 in 10 girls believe that they are not good enough or don’t measure up in some way, including their looks, performance in school and relationships with friends and family members? Did you also know that research has concluded that over 70% of girls age 15 to 17 avoid normal daily activities, such as attending school, when they feel bad about their looks and that 75% of girls with low self-esteem reported engaging in negative activities like cutting, bullying, smoking, drinking, or disordered eating? This compares to 25% of girls with high self-esteem. Those are shocking statistics! 
   Studies have  also found that teen girls that have a negative view of themselves are 4 times more likely to take part in activities with boys that they've ended up regretting later.
    Another fact is that a girl’s self-esteem is more strongly related to how she views her own body shape and body weight than how much she actually weighs. So if you have every experienced any of these emotions, you're not alone.
    Girls (me included) have a tendency to internalize other people's criticism. Trust me on this! I wear a size 4 and because of people in my past telling me that I am heavy and asking me to lose weight, I still struggle with having a good "and accurate" self-image of what I truly look like. 
    Remember girls, when other people do that to us it is almost always from someone who has very low self-esteem themselves, just like a bully. Also, never forget that hurt people, hurt people. Someone who is comfortable in their own skin and who truly likes  herself/himself would never bother criticizing others, they would see the good in others. It's called kindness and compassion. Deep down inside those mean girls and boys who toss insults at others are hurting people themselves. 
    This is a huge topic, but tonight I will challenge you to think about how you view yourself. Possibly journal positive things about yourself that you like and don't forget to include physical characteristics in your list.  
    True beauty emanates from a woman who knows who she is in this world. Beauty is knowing  your value and finding that value from a place deep inside of you that has nothing to do with how someone else sees the outside of you. This is what I think of people who criticize someone's outside appearance; they are the ugly ones because that is ugly behavior. 
     If you don't love yourself, no one else will love you. If you don't value yourself, no one else will value you. So make peace with the mirror and watch your reflection change. By the way, I think you are beautiful, in every single way. Love, Ms. B.
https://www.dosomething.org/facts/11-facts-about-teens-and-self-esteem

Have Fun Tonight, Be Safe

5/23/2015

 
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My watercolor of roses

"Some people grumble that roses have thorns; I am grateful that thorns have roses." 
 Jean-Baptiste Alphonse Karr

Tonight is your prom! Please be safe and enjoy this very special time in your life. Also, please remember to, "be a rose". I love you guys. I can't wait to see all the photos next Tuesday. Love, Ms. B.

Thank You Pompano Beach Chamber of Commerce!

5/23/2015

 
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    Hey, guys! I hope all went well in the classroom today. I hate missing school at this time of the year but today I received recognition for Teacher of the Year from the  Pompano Beach Chamber of Commerce. It was a wonderful event filled with noteworthy people of Florida who placed a great value on teachers and their role in society. 
     I left the luncheon with so many goodies! I want to thank Bright Star Credit Union for their wonderful gift, I also want to thank Whole Foods for the gift bag, Cross Fit for the membership pass, Center For Wellness for the massage gift certificate (yeah), Body and Soul Boutique for the $20 gift card, and Mr. Squeaky Car Wash! 
     But most importantly I would like to thank my city for taking the time to recognize what teachers do every day and for placing a value on teachers and public education. Senator Maria Sach gave a speech and in that speech she said, "You may not remember your past Senators, but most likely you will remember your past teachers." Thank you Senator Sach for taking the time to speak today. I would also like to thank our Mayor, Lamar Fischer, State Representative, Ms. Clarke Reed, Rick Greene, Development Services Director for the City of West Palm Beach and all the others who helped make the event so special.
 Grazie, Ms. B.

Art:  Periods in Art History                           Life: Periods of Time In Our life

5/21/2015

 
PictureGuggenheim Museum, NYC
Italian Futurism? I don't know much about this Avant garde art movement. I saw so many extraordinarily beautiful works of art today at the Guggenheim.  The art came out of the art movement they call "Italian Futurism." 

As I walked through the collection I thought to myself, "What if I divided my life into movements like art historians divide and label periods of art, and if I did, what would I call the times in my life?"

Would I have a 'Blue Period', or a time that I would call, 'The Early Works'? What years of my life would I call, 'Surrealistic'  'Expressionistic' or 'Romanticism'. Would there be a 'Pre- and a Post' period of time? What years of my life would I label 'The Great Renaissance'; meaning rebirth or a grand awakening? There certainly would be the 'The Middle Ages' possibly even "The Neoclassical Period". So I ask; "can we divide our life up into movements and if so, what would we label the times in our life and why?" That is what I will ponder this afternoon as I walk through the galleries. Possible next assignment in class when I return! Just saying.....lol Love, Ms. B.

My Final Goodbye Gift To Ely High...

5/20/2015

 
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Ugh! My pattern shirt clashes with the mural; sorry!

I finished the hallway mural today as my final goodbye gift to Ely High. 
I leave behind a piece of me...my art.
 Love, Ms. B.

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Before
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After

World Aids Museum: My Students Won!

5/20/2015

 
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Link To World Aids Museum Website Here
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Viva-2nd Place Winner
I am so proud of my students for participating in the
"Aids Awareness Art Contest" with The World Aids Museum. I had to push them into participating because they were afraid of failure. Never be afraid to take a chance, the greatest failure is not to try! You will never know what you are capable of unless you put yourself out there and try. Sure enough I had two students win 2nd, and 3rd place. 

Viva won $200 for placing 2nd and Carlos won $100 for placing third. Words cannot express how proud I am of the both of you!

Viva is using the money to buy a prom dress and Carlos is going to use the money for food. 
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Carlos-3rd Place Winner

"Fear regret more than failure." Taryn Rose

This Weekend Is The Prom: Be A Rose

5/18/2015

 
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My watercolor of roses
It is my friends' birthday today. We made plans to meet for dinner and on my way to meet her I stopped by a florist  to buy her a small bouquet of flowers. I wanted her to feel special today.

WOW, I had no idea that flowers cost so much! Typical me...I had a conversation with the florist and I asked him, "What makes some flowers so expensive while  others are so cheap? Don't they all come from a seed and are all planted in  soil? It's not like you have to travel to another country to buy a certain kind of flower, the environment can be simulated, right? So, who determines the price of flowers?"  

As I stood in the flower shop I found that I had a choice: do I buy one rose or for the same price, a whole bunch of carnations? Well, I learned a lot today and I want to share what I learned with you, 

Carnations are so cheap because they are a 'dime a dozen' so the man said. They are a practical flower used for 'fillers' in bouquets because they are so easy to grow. They don't cost so much because they don't have a strong fragrance to them. Their fragrance dissipates quickly, therefore they are considered a cheap flower and they are priced accordingly.

He went on to tell me, as he held up a beautiful red rose, that a rose is special. It has a higher value because its fragrance is aromatic. Roses are not a 'dime a dozen' because they are hard to grow, they need special care. They must be tended to, pruned, cut back and protected from insects... He continued to tell me that they last a long time if kept properly. Roses hold their value even after they die. From its pedals, people make fragrant essential oils or grind the pedals up to make potpourri long after the flower has died. So, that is why roses cost so much and carnations are cheap. Fascinating!

I decided on a single beautiful luxurious rose, and I was happy with my decision, my friend was delighted! I  returned home and thought about my conversation with the florist, I thought: I want to be like a rose...not a carnation. I want to be that beautiful luxurious woman who has a greater value because I am not 'a dime a dozen' like a carnation. I want my life to be a sweet fragrance that lasts, not a cheap smell that is here today and gone tomorrow. I don't want to be the filler in a bouquet, I want to be the main flower of a bouquet.

Your Prom is this weekend, so I must remind you to value yourself and make good decisions. Girls, be a rose and not a carnation! Place a high value on yourself. Don't sell yourself cheap, leave that up to all the dime a dozen carnation girls out there. Remember, if you don't think you have value, no one else will. 

Boys, stop wanting cheap carnation girls, they are a dime a dozen... they have no long lasting value and when there done, there done...they get thrown away. Unlike a rose, there is no value in a carnation once it gets old.

Poets have written about roses, songwriters will continue to sing about them. Artists will paint roses and perfumes will be made out of them. But carnations are bought in bulk as fillers for roses...so place value on yourself and be a rose! Have fun at the prom...make good decisions that you will not regret later.  
Love you guys, Ms. B.

This Site Will Be Under Construction

5/17/2015

 
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     I am in the process of converting this site over to a new site that will reflect my new teaching position, Ballou High School in SE Washington, DC. I labored over whether or not to archive this site and just create a new site for Ballou or to convert this site over. I decided that I wanted to continue the work that I have begun here, so my Blanche Ely High followers will merge together with Ballou High.
     I apologize that I removed the student gallery and AP tab. The most popular page of this site happens to be my blog. Most of my stats fall on this page so I did not want to remove any of this material. It is amazing to me how this blog has become such a huge part of who I am. It is an archived collection of my thoughts and inspirations. It feels like one of my journals, the only difference is that this journal is out there for all to see. 
    For those of you who are not aware, I accepted a position with the District of Columbia Public Schools at Ballou High School. I will be leaving Florida permanently on June 5. My heart is torn, but I am looking forward to the new chapter of life that lies ahead of me. Love, Ms. B.

Don't Live Life Backwards

5/16/2015

 
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My watercolor of orchids
In my opinion people attempt to live their lives backwards.  They try to acquire more things, or more money, in order to do more of what they want, so they will be happier and find peace in their life.  The way it actually works is the reverse.  You must first find happiness and be at peace with yourself, know who you really are, then do what you need to do, in order to have what you want.   Good night, Ms. B.
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Today Was Our Senior's Last Day :(

5/15/2015

 

Thank You!

5/15/2015

 
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I want to take a moment to sincerely thank those of you who are responsible for me being chosen for the National Society of High School Scholars Claes Nobel Educator of Distinction Recognition. Because of your gracious nomination I am invited to attend a special event at the Harvard Art Museums in Cambridge, Massachusettes, on Friday, May 29th. 
    I am so delighted to be recognized for such an honor. Thank you, Adriana Jones, NSHSS Advisory Board, and the NSHSS team! Every time my work is recognized, it just makes me want to give more so please know that your nomination means so much to me. 

Sincerely,
Ms. B.

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Art, life, love & passion!

5/13/2015

 
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The other day we had a great conversation in class about art and money. I wanted to expand upon that conversation by giving you some of my thoughts on this topic. The topic came up about becoming an artist after graduation. A few students in class said, “Don’t do that, you will never make any money and you will be poor”.

I guess we have to ask ourselves, “What is poor?” Is being poor a lack of money in your pocket or a lack of satisfaction and passion in your life? In an earlier blog I wrote to you saying, “If you can’t figure out your purpose then follow your passion, your passion will lead you to your purpose”.

You are about to graduate and with that comes excitement and anxiousness. Some of you know exactly what you want to do with your life; while others are still on the journey of discovering their purpose. I say, don’t allow money to be a factor in making that decision…follow your passion! Whatever you do, do with excellence and be the best! If you do that then the money will follow. Remember that there are many 'monetarily' rich people on this earth who are unhappy. Money doesn't buy you love and it is not a magic ticket to happiness.

If you ask older wealthy, successful people, "What brought you the most happiness in your life? I bet you that they will not say money, they will say love and doing what they had a passion for. Steve Jobs's life is an excellent example of this. He said, "The only way to do great work is to love what you do". Life without love is not worth living! I say, follow your passion and you will find your purpose...and remember to have courage and be kind every day!

 Have a great day Tigers! Ms.B.

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Did You Know?

5/12/2015

 
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You guys know a lot about me. You know my talents, awards, family and education. Tonight I want to tell you some things that will surprise you! I tell you these things so that you will see me in a different light. I think that you will understand better after you read my list. 

Here it goes...Did you know...

1. That when I was a teenager I  cleaned someone's house for money! Yep! Allow me to explain. I wanted to go away to a very expensive camp for teenagers the summer before my senior year. My parents already had two kids in college so they told me that it was too expensive and that I couldn't go. Once someone tells me I can't do something, I always find a way. I spoke to my youth pastor at church and he arranged for a family to sponsor me. I didn't want to take money from someone without earning it so we all agreed that I would help the family around the house until I actually 'earned' the money. I cleaned for them and watched their children until I earned the entire amount. It made all the difference to me to have truly worked for something that I wanted so badly. This ethical belief has stayed with me my whole life: you don't appreciate something if it is just handed to you. 

2.  I also got paid to iron shirts for an elderly handicap man. I got paid by the shirt!

3. I did not go to my senior prom because I was very shy around boys! My mother was so worried about me that she got a priest to talk to me because she thought I didn't like boys (if you know what I mean, lol).

4.  When I was a senior in high school I decided that I wanted to be a missionary in Africa because I was worried about all the hungry children. I actually signed up to go with a group called, "Youth With A Mission". Once again, my mother called the priest and I was forbidden to go.

5.  In high school, we had an open study hall for the entire grade level at lunch time. There was one very overweight unattractive girl named Angela who always sat alone. That upset me so I always looked for her and talked to her so that she would not be alone. She later told me that that meant a lot to her. 
 
6. I was raised in a very little house with one small bathroom. We had 7 people (my parents raised my cousin so there were 5 kids, 2 adults) sharing a bathroom, so we had a morning schedule that we had to abide by...5 minutes max! It was hard, but I did it. 

7.  Every summer in high school, I volunteered to work at an overnight camp for inner city kids. I volunteered for an organization called, Young Life. My heart has always been for children in the inner city my entire life.

8.  In college my part-time jobs were: Working in the kitchen of a pizza restaurant, a sales clerk for a dress shop called, the Deb Shop in the mall, I typed doctoral thesis for professors  and I painted portraits of people for money. I also painted storefront windows with holiday decorations during the winter holidays in my college town for extra money.

9. I borrowed $10,000 to go to college and I finally paid it off at the age of 32.

10. I am a third generation teacher in my family.

There you have it...things about me that you probably wouldn't believe. Love, Ms. B.

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Here I am standing in front of a store window that I painted for extra money in college!

My Oldest Brother, Mark

5/12/2015

 
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One more sibling to write to you guys about, my oldest brother, Mark. Mark was (and still is) the perfect 'big brother'. All I ever had to do is tell him that someone hurt me and he always came to my rescue! He is an amazing brother, son, father and husband.
     Mark studied Electrical Engineering at Penn State. He continued on in Law and right after college he worked for the F.B.I. However, most of his career has been spent working for the Disciplinary Board for the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania. His position is to investigate and dis-Bar lawyers who dishonor their code of conduct. 
     He was a varsity football player in school. He also was an artist (painter) and he played the trumpet very well. Most importantly he is kind, compassionate and civic minded. He leads his community politically and he works closely with civic organizations in our hometown. 
     But what I admire the most about my big brother is that if I called him tonight and told him that I needed help, he would fly down here overnight and be at my door. I am blessed to have such a wonderful family that I am very proud of! To see exactly what my oldest brother does for a living, you can click the link below. That is it guys...no more siblings! I'm glad that you found my life so interesting. 
     I will say this: all of us kids paid for our college education ourselves. No help from our parents! We all got scholarships, grants and took out student loans. We worked hard, stuck together as siblings and held high personal morals. We all had goals in life and education.
     Remember, once you set your goals, keep your eye on the prize and work hard. Then watch all your dreams come true. 

Mark's job:  http://www.padisciplinaryboard.org/index.php

This Is Why I Teach!

5/12/2015

 
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My students are writing me end of the year notes! I love this one. The notes mean so much to me!

Meet One of My Brothers, Jay

5/11/2015

 
PictureMy brother is the second one from the left in the light blue shirt.
The blog about my sister last night sparked a lot of questions about my family. In the next posts, I will tell you guys about my wonderfully talented and intelligent siblings. I have two older brothers and a little sister. My mother had all four of us within a five-year time frame. My little sister is 1 1/2 years younger than me and my brother Jay is one year older, and my oldest brother Mark is only two years older than me. Last night I wrote about my sister, Paula, the film editor. Today I will tell you about my brother, Jay.
   My brother Jay was always brilliant, artistic and also plays two instruments (piano and the tuba). Jay went to the University of Pittsburgh where he earned an undergraduate degree in Chemistry. He went on to medical school at the University of Pittsburgh and became an OBGYN. He had a very successful medical practice but decided at the age of 50 that his career as a doctor was unfulfilling so he went back to school and earned a Master's degree in Gallery Management at the Corcoran School of Art & Design in Washington DC.
   He then opened up a very successful high-end contemporary art gallery in Rehoboth, Delaware called Gallery 50. He recently sold the gallery in order to become the Director of the Rehoboth Art League where he currently manages the league's art galleries and exhibits. I am so proud of my brothers and sister. Not only are they brilliant and talented, they are all kind and compassion human beings. My brother was always and is a great big brother and a man of integrity. 
     To see more of my brother's work click on the link below. 


http://www.rehobothartleague.org/explore/upcoming-exhibitions.html

Article about my brother, click here.

Gallery 50
    

Congrats To My Sister!

5/10/2015

 
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I am so proud of my little sister, Paula (she is the one in the aqua shirt and skirt)! She is an amazing woman. Not only does she play two instruments, athletic and has visual art ability, she is also an award-winning film editor. She just completed her first full-length motion picture entitled, "Oloibiri". The film will be shown at the Cannes Film Festival next week in Cannes, France! Oloibiri is based on true events. It is a story about the first oil well drilled in Nigeria and how the impact has affected a small Nigerian Delta Village( Oloibiri) and the lives of those involved. The majority of the movie was filmed in Nigeria and it is beautiful. 
     She will begin her next film shortly. Paula, you are beautiful inside and out! I am so incredibly proud of you in every way. Not only are you smart and talented, but you are kind and compassionate. I love you. 
     To see more of my sister's work, log onto her website at; http://www.thread-edit.com/

My Sister's Movie is Going to the Canne's Film Festival Next Week!

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The New Craze At Ely!

5/9/2015

 
This is the most difficult time of year to teach! My seniors are done in a week, the rest of the school is testing, the classrooms are filled with substitutes and I need to keep my students engaged so that I don't have any discipline issues! So what did I do? I started painting on shoes, old backpacks, bags...anything to capture the interest of my students. It worked! I got the whole school wanting their shoes painted! Painted shoes are the fashion craze in this country now. It is all over Instagram. Next week I will post more about the project. 
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    Donna Bonavia

    I am an art educator and  a professional artist. I write this blog to guide my students in  (SEL) social, emotional, and academic development. S.E.L. is the District of Columbia Public School's priority because we believe that we must educate the whole child.


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    Yale National Initiative
    Fellowship 2017


    2017-DCPS Standing Ovation recognition Highly Effective Teaching

    Picture2016-DCPS Standing Ovation recognition Highly Effective Teaching
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    DCPS Capital Commitment
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    ​2015-Present

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    2015 Teacher of The Year Blanche Ely High School

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    2015 Civic Recognition Award Winner

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    2015 Greater Pompano Beach Chamber of Commerce
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    2015 Claes Nobel Educator of Distinction The National Society of High School Scholars
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    Teacher of the Year 2008
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    Teacher of the Year 2006-2007
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    Disney American Teacher Award Nominee "Creativity In Teaching" 2001
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    Teacher of the Year 1999
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    Teacher of the Year 1998
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    Outstanding Service-2011-2012
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    Outstanding Service-2010-2011
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    Outstanding Service-2009-2010
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    Outstanding Service-2008-2009
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    Outstanding Service-2007-2008

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     "The years 2012 to 2017 will be a time of dramatic progress for the District of Columbia Public Schools. With this strategic plan, we recommit DCPS to providing every student with a safe, academically challenging, and inspiring learning experience. 
     DCPS’ five-year strategic plan, A Capital Commitment, provides a roadmap for building DCPS into a high quality, vibrant school district that earns the confidence of our community. The plan defines an overarching purpose as well as five goals that will guide DCPS’ work through 2017."

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