LIZ'S CLASS NOTES

We're beginning the new semester thinking and writing about Hamlet. Now that the kids are no longer immersed in performing the play, they are being asked to examine their ideas about its story, themes, and characters. After a series of conversations about the play, the kids generated essay topics and began writing. Their topics cover a range of ideas, such as the connection between Hamlet and The Lion King, Hamlet's indecisiveness, and what if Hamlet were real and the events of the play occurred in modern times. Their topics are as varied as their interests.

     Beginning Monday, the senior learners will be artists-in-residence two afternoons a week at The Watermill Center https://www.watermillcenter.org. The center, founded by playwright Robert Wilson is a laboratory for the arts and provides space in the center to imagine and develop new artistic endeavors. To that end, we will spend our time working alongside Mila McKey, our mentor at the oyster hatchery, exploring the meaning of the word "Shinnecock," which means "low-level land," through creating a multi-media photo montage. Mila is not only an oyster farmer and conservationist but also a photographer, painter, and musician. A Shinnecock tribal member born in Hawaii and raised in Australia, Mila offers a wealth of knowledge and expertise in a range of disciplines, along with a great appreciation of and respect for kids. On Monday, January 30th, parents and the larger Hayground community are invited to come to the center to see our work and meet Mila.