Hawley Students Reflect On Their Favorite Places

By Laurie Borst

On the afternoon of November 2, Hawley School was abuzz with students busy writing, painting, and dancing around. Some were learning how to operate a disposable camera. Others were trying their hand at cut and paste, without a computer.

Hawley School will once again be taking part in this year’s Reflections competition, a program sponsored by PTA.

Begun in 1969, the Reflections program offers students the chance to express themselves through the medium of their choosing on a topic, this year “My Favorite Place.”

The students may choose from the following media: photography, dance, watercolor, colored pencil/chalk/crayons, literature — poetry or prose, and cut and paste, producing a collage type work.

The Hawley PTA has offered a workshop to Hawley students that allows the children to investigate a variety of media.

Jo-Ann Peters, Hawley principal, said, “For the second year, the PTA is providing the workshop. It seems to have encouraged more students to participate.”

During the after-school event, students were provided with art supplies, writing guides, disposable cameras, a touch of music, and a bit of guidance.

About 70 students turned out to explore their creative sides. After a brief introduction to the program, students were directed to stations around the room.

“This is my first year doing Reflections,” Joanelle Tran, a third grader, reported from the chalk table. “I love drawing.”

Her favorite place? “The pet shop. I get to see a whole bunch of cute little animals.”

At the watercolor table, Nick Crone, a third grader who likes Hershey Park, Penn., offered, “Painting is one of my favorite things.”

He is back again this year, because “last year was really fun!”

Robin Gaines, a fourth grader who entered a watercolor last year, is trying out photography. “I’ve taken photos before,” she stated. “I like to photograph people.” Robins says her classroom is her favorite place.

Hawley is not the only school in Newtown that participates in Reflections. Sandy Hook School, Middle Gate, Head O’ Meadow, and Reed also have students who participate.

 Each submission must be accompanied by a written explanation of the inspiration behind the work. The project must be completed outside of school.

The PTAs at each school will judge the entries. Those selected at the local level then compete on the state level. State winners go on to be judged by the National PTA.