Bridging Communities: How Does the River Connect Us?

The collection of images celebrates a yearlong River of Words project called Bridging Communities: How Does the River Connect Us?  Students from Gill and Montague, MA, Elementary Schools exchanged poetry and artwork across the river, highlighting what they like best about their towns, from cows to canals, farms to factories, and birds to bridges.  Poetry is inspired by George Ella Lyons and her poem, "I am From."



 

From the Community:

“I thought each piece, whether a picture or words, revealed such insight and detail about our community and environment.  They, collectively, gave me a new appreciation for this place we call our home.”  
Steve Baskowski, Grade 3 Teacher, Gill Elementary School



“[The project] enriched our students and strengthened our communities.  The poetry was heartfelt and reflected the differences in our towns.  The artwork was student-centered and exquisite. Together, they depicted such a raw view of our community telling a story that only students can tell.” 
Kathleen Adams, Principal, Gill Elementary School



“Wow what a connection to the town for the children!”
Robin Whiteman, Grade 2 Teacher, Montague Elementary School



“I was very impressed with the quality of the poems written by our elementary school students.  They display an appreciation for nature and insight not usually expected of such youth.”
Martin Espinola, Director of Teaching & Learning at Gill-Montague Regional School District



And Beyond:

“The drawings are so expressive--the form and all the detail on the fish by the second grader; the bird flying above the nest, looking like it's returning to it; the massive red paper mill. In each there's the charm of the child's efforts.”
Salvatore Vascellaro, Bank Street College of Education, New York, NY



“I feel the exact joy of this happy bridge! Under halcyon skies, bridging two separated – but AKIN – peaceful landscapes!” 
Florence Phillips, Actor and Educator, Greenwich, CT (about Benjamin Lin’s French King Bridge)