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A CSCA Publication

What's HOT the week of November 22, 2021

When Giving Is All We Have

by Alberto Ríos

One river gives

Its journey to the next.

We give because someone gave to us.

We give because nobody gave to us.

We give because giving has changed us.

We give because giving could have changed us.

We have been better for it,

We have been wounded by it—

Giving has many faces: It is loud and quiet,

Big, though small, diamond in wood-nails.

Its story is old, the plot worn and the pages too,

But we read this book, anyway, over and again:

Giving is, first and every time, hand to hand,

Mine to yours, yours to mine.

You gave me blue and I gave you yellow.

Together we are simple green. You gave me

What you did not have, and I gave you

What I had to give—together, we made

Something greater from the difference.

New In This Week's Dragon's Fire

• A Reminder that TCS Is Different
• Girls and Nonbinary Virtual Field Trip to Pixar
• ASB Food Drive
• Updated Request for Art Supplies from Ms Janet
• New Items on the Bulletin Board

A Reminder that TCS Is Different

As we all hopefully relax into this weekend of thanks, we ask that you take a moment to have a conversation with your student(s) about how TCS is different and how those differences are both a tremendous privilege and an added responsibility. Unlike traditional schools with their own buildings and surrounding property, TCS proudly claims that all of the Seattle Center is its campus. That campus includes many of Seattle's premier arts organizations and is full of exciting opportunities for our students to participate in the life of the city.

But Seattle Center and the Armory are public spaces visited daily by people from around the world. TCS has been a beloved part of the Armory community since the school was founded, but the Armory is not our school. Please remind your students that the we coexist as community members within the public space of the Armory. Our students get to enjoy the bathrooms, the food court, and the balcony like other visitors to the building, but those spaces do not belong to TCS. Students who are disruptive or destructive in these public spaces may be barred from the building by Seattle Center security, effectively making it impossible for those students to attend school. Such incidents are problematic for the students involved, but they also affect how our school community is perceived at the Seattle Center.

We know that some of our students are struggling with the return to in-person school. Dr Casey, Ms Hayes, Ms Tracey, and our beloved teachers are working every day to help our students reintegrate while maintaining learning standards. We ask that you continue to talk with your students about being respectful of people and spaces while helping them find productive outlets for the more than usual anxiety and frustration they are feeling in these unprecedented times. If you need help, please don't hesitate to reach out to Dr Casey or Ms Hayes.

Girls and Non-Binary Virtual Pixar Field Trip

There are six spots for Center School girl and non-binary students for a virtual field trip to Pixar on Dec 2, 9:30–10:30 pm. Participating students will need permission from their 1st period teacher to excuse themselves to the balcony or commons with their laptop and headphones. The field trip is part of the IGNITE Worldwide program (Inspiring Girls Now in Technology Education/Experience). We only have six spots, as this is an event with students from California high schools. Last year, this was a favorite event, so we're happy we can do it again. RSVP to Ms Wyn at wypottingerlev@seattleschools.org to receive the Zoom link. Please include a note from 1st period teacher granting permission to attend.

ASB Food Drive

ASB is organizing a winter food drive to support Byrd Barr Place in the Central District, a rad organization that provides food, shelter, warmth, and financial tools to Seattle residents in need. The food drive will run from Mon, Nov 29 through Fri, Dec 3.

This will also be a competition between grade levels! Whichever class brings in the most food donations will get a pizza party before we leave for Winter Break. Here is where students bring their donations:

• 9th grade donation box: Ms. Neel’s room (369)
• 10th grade donation box: Mr. Chipps’ room (355)
• 11th grade donation box: Ms. Carroll’s room (385)
• 12th grade donation box: Mr. Greenberg’s room (458)

Updated Request for Art Supplies from Ms Janet

Hello TCS students & families! I wanted to send out a huge appreciation for all of the amazing donations we have received. Students working on assemblage sculptures have found many treasures to use in their artwork. Thank you so much for supporting the arts at TCS!

We are still welcoming donations of:

• Yarn and fabric/felt/lace
• Springs, beads, any small parts (no more bottlecaps, pleasewe have plenty!)
• Old keys and padlocks
• Rocks, small branches/sticks, shells, seedpods, other small items from nature
• Small old toys, game parts, figurines, toy cars, dice, playing cards, etc.
• Old watches, small clocks, jewelry
• Utensils, cookie cutters, other small kitchen items
• Old maps, ticket stubs, sheet music, doilies
• Old shoes (no more sneakers, though, please!)

Credit for High School Classes Taken in Middle School

• Class of 2022 and 2023: Students in the Class of 2023 who took high school courses in middle school and would like those courses added to their high school transcript will need to complete and submit a Middle School to High School Transcript Credit Form.
• Class of 2024: Students who took high school courses in middle school during the 2019/20 school year will automatically have those courses added to their HS transcript. Please complete the Middle School to High School Credit Form Class of 2024 if you would like any of these courses removed or you would like to use a P/N grade instead of a letter grade. You will also use this form if you would like to add high school courses that you took in 6th or 7th grade to your high school transcript.
• Class of 2025 and Beyond: Students who took high school courses during the 2019/20 school year in middle school will have classes added by default to their high school transcript. To remove a course or request to use a P/N grade instead of a letter grade use the Middle School to High School Credit Form Class of 2025 and Beyond.

Completed forms and questions can be sent to Ms Hayes at mrhayes1@seattleschools.org.

This year's virtual Reflections celebration will be on Dec 12. You can register here if you'd like to participate. TCS has one entry in the visual arts category. We'll let you know how our entry places once judging has happened.

Please Donate to the 2021/22 CSCA Annual Fund

The Center School is a unique community with a small group of dedicated teachers and students from all over the school district. The Center School seeks to extend learning beyond the classroom and involve our students in the city and world beyond. To help support that effort, the CSCA seeks additional funds from families twice a year: the Annual Fund in the fall and the auction in the spring are the primary way the Center School Community Association raises money. You can donate now online via Paypal, where you have the option of choosing a one-time or monthly donation. You do not have to have a Paypal account to make a donation. Or look for the Annual Fund letter coming soon where you can contribute by check or credit card with the enclosed form. Thank you!

The Bulletin Board section publishes information about art, photography, film, theater, writing, and other programs and competitions outside of TCS that might be of benefit and interest to our students. If you know of an opportunity that our students might want to hear about, contact the Dragon's Fire at dfsubmitarticle1@gmail.com.

2022 More Music @ the Moore Auditions

Auditions are now open for STG’s 21st Annual More Music @ The Moore! Seattle Theatre Group (Paramount, Moore, Neptune) will be selecting the region’s most talented emerging artists, ages 14–21, for a performance at the Moore Theatre.

MM@M is seeking a great variety of style and genre including world, cultural, popular, classical and contemporary music. Bands, ensembles, and soloists are all encouraged to audition. Once selected, in person rehearsals are required, so being within 30 miles of downtown Seattle is advised.

Artists will receive:

• Payment
• Mentorship from music industry leaders
• Opportunities for collaboration
• Professional performance experience in a renowned venue with experienced crew
• Highlights on STG’s social and newsletter platforms reaching 60,000+ people
• Professional photo and video
• Meals provided at rehearsals and performances
• Possible future performance opportunities

Read more including how to submit your audition tape.

2021 IndiGENart Contest

This art contest is open to Native/Pacific Islander youth in 8th–12th grade. You must be an enrolled member of a tribe or be able to prove that you are Native in some way.

The purpose of this contest is to help Native youth connect with their culture and learn to appreciate making Native art. The theme is “Embracing Indigeneity” The first 100 people who sign up and submit an art piece will receive a $15 gift card! There are 3 categories: 2D, 3D, and Warrior. You may only enter in one of these categories. We encourage you to do art forms that you are passionate about, especially traditional Native forms like storytelling. This contest is funded by small nonprofits. If you are in need of supplies, we would be happy to help out. Email anushkasaxena426@gmail.com for supplies.

Read more and sign up.

Black Girls Who Paint Award Fund

BGWP supports actual Black girl painters!

Each month, two girls between the ages of 6–18 will receive the Girls Award, a $100 e-gift card to an art store for supplies. Each Spring and Fall semester, two students between the ages of 17–21 currently enrolled at least part-time in a visual arts program will receive the Student Award, a $1,000 academic award to help offset the cost of art supplies, program fees, food, academic expenses, etc.! All award recipients are highlighted on our website and marketing materials.

To nominate a girl for our Girls Award (ages 6–18), apply here.



To submit your application for the Girls Award (ages 6–18), apply here.

True Colors' Next Narrative Monologue CompetitionTM

NNMC features newly created works from fifty of America's leading contemporary Black playwrights that engage students of all backgrounds in artful exploration of 21st century themes, while instilling confidence in all to find their voices.

Founded by True Colors Theatre Company in Atlanta, the NNMC mission is to celebrate the rich tradition of Black storytelling while giving voice to bold artists of all cultures. This Black storytelling lens is not exclusionary, but provides an inclusive portal to new worlds and the truths therein.

In each participating region, students progress through three competition rounds: Preliminaries, Semi-Finals, and Regional Finals. Then, the top two winners from each regional competition participate in the National Finals, receiving an all-expense-paid trip to New York City that includes workshops with theater professionals, tickets to a Broadway show, the chance to win a cash prize, and more!

Register here.

Penguin seeks youth artist-leaders who want to deepen their theater skills through an equity lens. The 2022 PAC is an artistic cohort centering around 4 weekend retreats. Retreats focus on:

• Connection, belonging, and relationship building
• Expanding your theatrical toolbox through an equity lens with guest artists
• Penguin season and strategic planning

Between retreats, PAC members have the opportunity to engage with Penguin Productions, work on special projects, and collaborate with Seattle Rep's Collective Playwriting cohort.

PAC members who attend 3 out of 4 Retreats are eligible for a $75 stipend or service learning hours. Additionally, an additional $50 will be available for up to 3 PAC members interested in taking on more responsibility, leading workshops, retreat planning and production of the spring event, and driving youth engagement and social media.

Applications are open to all youth ages 14–19. Previous experience not necessary. Space is limited. Apply now.

Listings in the Bulletin Board section for any specific commercial or organizational product, process, or service, or the use of any trade, firm, or corporation name is for the information and convenience of the public and does not constitute endorsement, recommendation, or favoring by The Center School or the CSCA.

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