Link Elementary Welcomes a World Mural
Artist Rosalind Engle painted the international-themed mural with parents, students, and other volunteers.
As a “World School,” Link Elementary School promotes cultural education by bringing in various programs to teach students about different parts of the world.
Now, when students walk through Link’s front doors, they can see that world painted on the wall thanks to artist Rosalind Engle and a host of others.
“Ms. Engle has used artistic expression to transform the philosophy of our IB [International Baccalaureate] World School into a beautiful international mural,” said Francine Cuccia, the principal of Link. “Prominently displayed at the entrance to our school, the mural offers welcoming greetings in many different languages. As a most generous donation from our PTA, this mural also represents the shared vision of the school and community.”
Kim Gifford, the vice president of Cultural Affairs at Link, said she and Engle discussed what to paint and finalized plans for the international-themed mural. Engle painted greetings such as “Ciao,” “Hallo,” “Bonjour,” and “Hola.”
“We wanted to do something that would represent many different cultures all together- with hello in many different languages -and took many of our world icons and sort of put them all together,” Engle said.
Gifford said Engle painted a mural with a similar theme two years ago; the mural currently resides on the back of the school’s stage. She said that whenever the school brings in cultural programs, Engle’s life-sized painting from two years ago serves as a backdrop.
Gifford helped paint and did much of the priming needed for the latest mural.
“I really love the mural and was lucky enough to coordinate it with the [Rosalind],” Gifford said. “I was even honored by being able to help paint with Rosalind. Several other parents also gave their time to help with some of the easier graphics.”
The school also invited its students to take part in painting the mural and received an enthusiastic response. Carly Donoghue, a fifth grader at Link Elementary School, took part in the project.
“I love art!” she said. “I was so excited to be asked to help with Link's World School mural. Helping with this mural was very meaningful to me because it gave me a chance to help do the things I love. It meant a lot to me to help with this project.”
Because of the positive response from students, Engle and Link are planning on introducing an art class for students.
“There was a large interest from a lot of the students and wanting to help, and I did have a couple little helpers,” Engle said. “We were hoping to offer something a little extra, like an extracurricular program concentrating on more artistic things than you would typically get in elementary school-level, like intro to portraiture or maybe painting or some still-life drawings. It’s almost like an intro-to-college course, if you will.”
Gifford said the mural’s location is ideal because students pass through the hallway every day.
“Link's teachers encourage and teach the students to embrace the awareness and appreciation of diverse cultures and foster the individuality and creativity of students through inquiry and application,” Gifford said. “This mural stands for Link's world status and because it is in a predominate place in the school, the students will be reminded of this everyday.”
anonymous
9:47 am on Tuesday, September 20, 2011
What a great article! Kudos to Kim Gifford and Roz Engle for a job well done~~
Betty Muller
10:33 am on Tuesday, September 20, 2011
Roz Engle is an amazing artist. check her website at www.rosalindjosephine.com
Regina O'Hara
11:50 am on Wednesday, September 21, 2011
Everyone is entitled to there own opinion. I personally have a two children in the Link Community and last year one of my daughters participated in the International night. It was a lot of work, however it really helped her to be proud of her ethnic roots, which is what I thought was being American is all about, diversity. We all came from somewhere unless of course we are Native Americans.
anonymous
2:56 pm on Friday, September 23, 2011
She is obviously not a Link parent. If she were she would know that the IB program teaches our children respect, tolerance, and how to be good global citizens. What could be more American than that? She obviously has an agenda and she should take it elsewhere
Tony T
1:11 pm on Sunday, September 25, 2011
I would expect that the Clarkstown School District teach children to be good American citizens not some progressive socialist idea of a global citizen. If many of the parents of Link students are opposed to global citizenship and the IB concept why would the PTA make a "generous donation" to this project.
Regina O'Hara
8:48 am on Saturday, September 24, 2011
Read your article thank you for sharing. Religion does not belong in school that is why it is not longer part of the educational day( of course unless you go to private school). I do not think that is what Ib is teaching though. As an administrator of the truth about ib please educate us. I would like some facts because I do not think the school in promoting little anti Americans. I know the children pledge their allegiance to the American flag every morning.I would just hope the program is teaching not to hate and live out of the box so we do not have another 911, which was caused due to hatred.
Regina O'Hara
10:55 am on Saturday, September 24, 2011
Lisa are you saying that the school instituted something which they have not fully researched???? Thought the idea was that all children are on the same learning page. I for one am pleased to see my children learning a language so early. I was never happy with the fact our children are one of the few counties which waits till they are older to teach another language. I still will encourage my daughters to be both American's and embrace the mix of ethnic blood which flows through their veins.
Regina O'Hara
10:45 pm on Saturday, September 24, 2011
The last few days Link has been under the microscope and critisized for Ib programs, back to school bbq's(which is not the only school to have this tradition) I do not understand all the hostility towards this one school. I too paid school tax before children used the schools,. My folks paid school tax even though I did not go to Clarkstown schools. We did not complain about the workers being used for sporting events or other functions which we had no direct impact on us at the time. Knowlege is good no matter how it is attained, and the kids participating these such events should make us feel good as a Community, instead they are critisized.We chose of our own free will to live in this Community and are not bound here. The good of the children that should be the focus not all the pettyness of which I have witnessed the last few days.
anonymous
9:43 am on Sunday, September 25, 2011
Ms. McLoughlin
When you chose to skulk around the internet to find cute, little stories such as this one, about a school mural and a local artist, you openened yourself up to question. It was your choice, again, to take this cute little article, and turn it into a forum to spew your negativity about a program we are proud of. To take this cute little article, and turn it into a political/religious/anti-american debate. You chose to call the parents of Link children "ignorant sheep". Please do us all a favor, and go invade another local patch, which I know you have done before, with your crap. Or better yet, crawl back under the rock from which you came.
Tony T
1:58 pm on Sunday, September 25, 2011
Anonymous,
Wow and you support a mural that represents world tolerance...maybe the artist should have painted the wall black....you are a truly dark sad person when your ideas are challenged!
anonymous
3:40 pm on Sunday, September 25, 2011
Tony T: Ms McLoughlin chose to start this debate. Why is her opinion any more acceptable than mine? After all, this is America...we all have a right to express our opinions, don't we? I am truly a "suburban mom" who works full time and cares for a large family. I really don't have the time or energy to keep up this debate with internet strangers. Good luck and may the deity of you choice bless you~~
anonymous
6:42 pm on Sunday, September 25, 2011
Ms. McLoughlin: I do not care to count how many times you have called me ignorant. You are the one who has been name-calling since this started. Your opinion and "points" mean nothing to me, You are obviously a zealot with alot of time on your hands. I have already stooped to YOUR level by responding to you in the first place. You do not deserve any more of my time or energy. Move on to your next google alert for IB articles....I believe we have had enough of you here.
Regina O'Hara
8:58 pm on Sunday, September 25, 2011
For those of you who are confused by the ib conversations going back and forth. I suggest not going to any one persons website which my not be so objective, but looking at an independent source of information. ei. IB myths /facts. Anyway the bit info I got states in was originated in Switzerland(neutral country) in 1968 and has nothing to do with politics or religion, but getting students prepared for higher learning across the board. Take a look if you get a chance very interesting.
Regina O'Hara
7:03 am on Monday, September 26, 2011
I did Lisa and I just it is stated on several sites that it is a myth that it has anything to do with religion or politics and yes is was originated by UBESCO . I am not here to debate you just to pass information on which is FREE to anyone who is interested.
Regina O'Hara
2:41 pm on Monday, September 26, 2011
Lisa. once again you are trying to make this into an argument. I am just letting any one who is interested make an educated decision researching many sources not just the one which you have provided to them. That to me is just one sided. We need to look further as we would do with anything we do regarding any large decision in life. You need to back off and let people decide for themselves by educating themselves in every area regarding this topic.
Tony T
3:06 pm on Monday, September 26, 2011
Why would the PTA pay for a "world mural" using artistic expression to transform the philosophy of our IB [International Baccalaureate] World School into a beautiful international mural,” I would think that our school system should promote the American way of life and history to our students rather than promote some world view of a muti cultural world view. Also, what is the International Baccalaureate World School?
Regina O'Hara
3:10 pm on Monday, September 26, 2011
Tony there is lots of info online if you want to look further into this subject. It will give you all sides of the coin so you can make an educated decision on your own.
Regina O'Hara
3:18 pm on Monday, September 26, 2011
Ps. The reason I say look online for yourself is because it would not be fair of me to provide you with sources which may be more my own point of view. Better you take a look and educate yourself without bias.
Regina O'Hara
4:11 pm on Monday, September 26, 2011
No. Lisa you are not making me nervous you are pushing people to think as you do. That is not fair. You need to allow people to do their own research and figure out what works best for them and their children, If you made me nervous I would not allow you to know my identity. You provided them with your website which is great but they need to see all the websites regarding this topic.I am not telling you to back of of your beliefs I am saying stop trying to shove them down peoples throats.
Regina O'Hara
5:53 pm on Monday, September 26, 2011
The information has been provided folks, Suggestions of places to look for answers have been made from the negatives to the positives of Ib programs. I myself will be "backing off " the subject so those of you who still are on the fence take the time you need to do what is best for your children.
Tony T
2:02 am on Tuesday, September 27, 2011
However,
The more I research information of IB [International Baccalaureate] World School the more I find out that bolsters what Lisa has been commenting on I will continue my research. But as of now it looks like the Clarkstown School Board, the PTA and Link have bought a"pig in poke" and may not realize the real agenda of the IB philosophy.