Kevin reported that he was brand new to MeAA when the idea was presented and he team taught with former State Rep. Reagan LaRochelle. He loved it but students seemed to like hands on approach better. They were engaged when Rep. LaRochelle was talking about the state legislature and citizens rights and laws she saw passed but when he talked about it their eyes "glazed over". 

Russ and Amy took a group on a field trip to the Portland Museum of Art. Kids worked out what the cost of a day at the museum would be on the trip there and then were given a sketch pad and asked to find a piece of art that involved math and sketch it and they were to find a piece of art they really liked and write about it (Is that right?) The museum complimented the students' behavior. For several it was their first time in a museum. Amy added that it was fun to get out of the math area for a bit and loved partnering with an arts teacher. At end they met in the cafe and students presented their sketches, talked about their favorite art pieces. Both staff members were impressed with student willingness to be vulnerable and share their work.

We discussed whether team teaching adds to/enhances or detracts from academics. There was a team teaching pair offering academic support for students and they got to hear a different voice explain. Fun for teachers to meet kids that wouldn't be in their classes. 

Sonja and Travis combined fine art and photography with Jelly Plate Image Transfer. New to them as well as to students and gave opportunity for students to see frustrated adults model trying to learn a new medium. With change from 2 to 1 day, they used photos from magazines to transfer. Learned about how to print original photos for transfer; were going to have students take photos to use for transfer but didn't have the time. They still had great results with some wonderful art pieces. 

Jasen and John Spinale taught 3rd Cinema (a cinematic movement in Latin America in the 60s). John spoke about colonialism in Argentina and Senegal and Jasen spoke about 3rd Cinema's roots and need for it as a movement of oppression and opposition to colonialism. They showed 2 films. Would have shown two more if they had had 2 days. 

Janna asked if there was any flexibility to extend those groups that want to two days in the future? Rachel will look at the possibility of scheduling it that way for next year.

Discussed pros and cons. Seems it's mostly good reviews, a good break in routine, fun teaching with another teacher. 

Thank you to all of our teachers who gave up parts or the entirety of their lunch breaks! This was a very fun discussion.

At our last meeting we discussed an AI policy for the school. Heather was not able to be at that meeting and with some additional research, found that colleges are using AI as a source. That may be very different among the arts world.

Next meeting we will further discuss AI policy and will ask the different teachers in academics and arts to give their opinion about use of AI in school. Might also consider including IT.

We might also discuss ways to tell the difference between AI and "real" information.