Kindergarten Discovers the Paintings of Miss Alma Thomas
Kindergartners at Ferndale Lower Elementary learned about expressionist painter Alma Woodsey Thomas. In addition to a talented artist, Alma Thomas was gifted teacher and dedicated community advocate for arts and culture. Alma was proudly unmarried her entire life, committing her life's ambition to the development of herself and her community with outstanding results. She was the first woman in the US to earn a BFA in Fine Arts and the first African American woman to have a solo exhibition at the Whitney. Read more about Alma and her many landmark accomplishments. in our full article.
Born in the oppressive racial climate of Columbus, Georgia in 1891, Alma's parents moved the family to Washington DC for a safer environment and to provide a post elementary education for their daughter. At the time, Columbus libraries would not even allow Black people into their libraries! Alma went on to teach Kindergarten before entering Howard University. Alma was initially drawn to textiles before selecting painting, a style she carried into her painting techniques. Eventually, she became the first Howard graduate to earn a BFA in Fine Arts, and perhaps the first woman in the US to earn this degree.
Alma returned to teaching for 35 years, founding a Fine Arts program at Shaw Junior High alongside fellow notable blues painter Malkia Roberts and founded a community arts project and discovered a passion for puppetry, which eventually led her to Columbia College for her Masters studies. In 1972, at the age of 81, Thomas was the first African-American woman to have a solo exhibition at the Whitney Museum of American Art.
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This week, the adults and families of our Ferndale Lower Elementary kindergartners were invited to participate in music class. Kindergarten music students— led by Mrs. Duncanson—hosted informal performances (AKA “informances”) for parents and families. Students showed how they sing hello, participate in story time, play glockenspiels, and move throughout their movement space. Families of our Kindergartners were able to see first hand how music education begins in our school.
Miss Grammatico and her 2nd graders put on their "Making the Band" concert on Tuesday night. The students sang songs such as "We Got the Beat," "Twist and Shout," "Footloose," "Stand by Me," and "Dancing in the Street." The students shined on stage, rocking out with their inflatable guitars! They even had the audience shining lights on them because they were all shining stars! It was an amazing night.
Kindergarten Round-Up and an Early Childhood Center Field Trip brought preschoolers to Mrs. Keefe's funhouse this week! The children were greeted by an excited Golden Eagle and had a ball on the playground. Some students even jumped straight to Ferndale High!
For more information about enrolling your resident Kindergartner in Ferndale Schools, visit our Enrollment Page.
Superintendent Goodrum, her cabinet, and several members of the Board of Education surprised select teachers and support staff with gifts this week as part of a Teacher and Support Staff of the Year award presentation. You can view photos of the honorees below. We are so proud of these outstanding educators and team members who make student growth so spectacular at Ferndale Schools.
FECC Teacher of the Year: Shelby Martin
FECC Support Staff of the Year: Jennifer Krycian
Ferndale Lower Elementary Teacher of the Year: Glynis Tyler
Ferndale Lower Elementary Support Staff of the Year: Megan Meloche
Ferndale Upper Elementary Teacher of the Year: Anton Gjonaj
Ferndale Upper Elementary Support Staff of the Year: Raequan Allen
Ferndale Middle School Teacher of the Year: Bridget Guerra
Ferndale Middle School Special Education Teacher of the Year: Brad Tanguay
Ferndale Middle Support Staff of the Year: Geraldine Perry and Katelyn O'Bear
Ferndale High School Teacher of the Year: Michael Hand
Ferndale High School Teacher of the Year: Kandis Pagonas 
Ferndale High School Support Staff of the Year: Sharon Stone
University High School Teacher of the Year: Lauren Thomas
UHS Support Staff of the Year: Flaudia Quaker (unpictured)
TCEC Teacher of the Year: Ellie Kotulis
TCEC Support Staff of the Year: Roger Hunt (unpictured)
Central Office Support Staff of the Year: Tammy Foster
Bus Driver of the Year: Wendy Gambill
Bus Driver of the Year: Erricka Thomas
Bus Driver of the Year: Nikki Anderson
Ferndale Lower was visited once again by several residents of Upland Hills Farm of Oxford, MI! Students were invited to pet cows, geese, and several baby animals. We are so thankful for our community partners that bring these enriching experiences to our students.
Elementary families gathered at Skate World of Troy for another annual Skate Night event, hosted by the Ferndale Elementary Parent Teacher Organization. THank you, PTO, for an amazing night of community fun with our Ferndale Family!
