BUGS: Baltimore Urban Gardening with Students

Building the Watts Towers

2012-01-30T11:28:00.005-05:00

The past few weeks the BUGS artists have been focusing on different reasons artists create. After reading the story of Simon Rodia, a tile worker who built the Watts Towers in Los Angeles, students designed a plan and then created their own structures and towers using a range of materials and their fantastic imaginations. The actual Watts towers are enormous mosaic sculptures which the artist spent a large portion of his life building because he "had it in his mind to do something big,". The BUGS towers include fountains, clay arches, seashells and windmills.

Trip to the Baltimore Humane Society

2012-01-26T15:47:00.006-05:00

As part of their service learning project, BUGS students learned about animal rights and the Baltimore Humane society. They made cat toys, dog toys, and dog biscuits for the animals and visited the shelter. There they toured the facility, learned about helping stray cats and dogs, said hello to the cats and dogs waiting for homes and even helped with a stepping stone art project! Thank you Baltimore Humane Society for partnering with us!

See more photos from our visit at: http://www.facebook.com/BMOREHUMANE

recycled t-shirt scarves, clay & self portraits

2012-01-26T15:32:00.002-05:00

The Bridgers (5th graders) show off their unique scarves made from recycled t-shirts - stylish.

Below some of the boys display their pottery and self portraits. BUGS artists have been learning about Frida Kahlo and self portraiture as well as dabbling in D.I.Y.

Preparing The Garden For Winter (If It Ever Comes)

2012-01-25T21:23:00.001-05:00

The BUGS boys got down and dirty pulling out weeds and turning the soil on the garden beds. The next step is to add a layer of compost.

Button Up! comes to BUGS

2012-01-23T12:22:00.010-05:00

Button Up came to make buttons with the Bridgers! In relation to learning about alternative energy, the students made buttons about the earth, recycling, solar power, and wind energy. http://www.etsy.com/people/buttonupeveryday

http://www.facebook.com/ButtonUpCo?sk=info

American Visionary Arts Museum

2012-01-13T12:59:00.004-05:00

Students got to take a trip to the AVAM and see All Things Round. This is the famous pose by the egg.

Then rolling down the hill was an energetic ending to the day.

Students Practice Steel Drums

2012-01-06T11:22:00.001-05:00

Students Practice Stilt-Walking

2012-01-06T11:13:00.000-05:00

Coastal Sunbelt Produce trip

2012-01-05T11:22:00.006-05:00

We loaded up and traveled to the very large facility at Coastal Sunbelt Produce to get a tour and see how fruit and vegetables come here and get to many places we like to eat.

There was a taste testing and a guess of how much sugar is in each piece of fruit.

Some couldn't wait to get some because it was so delicious.

Through the large glass the students looked to see the workers below cutting and slicing the fruit.

Here they were learning about where in the world the fruit and vegetables come from and where they are delivered at restaurants. Some of the trucks were coming and going as they watched.

Shake N Bake!

2011-12-12T10:49:00.007-05:00

Beautiful Broccoli In The BUGS Garden

2011-12-07T12:16:00.001-05:00

The Butterflies Plant Garlic

2011-12-07T12:14:00.001-05:00

The Tadpoles Get Dirty In The Garden

2011-12-07T12:02:00.001-05:00

The tadpoles dug right into harvesting onions and hot peppers. They worked like professionals at turning the soil and the compost! What a productive group!

Late Fall Garden Goodies

2011-12-07T11:56:00.001-05:00

October Apple Picking Field Trip

2011-12-07T11:54:00.001-05:00

Working Hard In The Greenhouse

2011-12-07T11:41:00.001-05:00

The caterpillars put in some real effort and teamwork and planted their very own bean seeds.

Caterpillars and Rain

2011-11-18T12:29:00.006-05:00

To combat the rain and grey skies, the Caterpillars went on an adventure including ice cream cones and the harbor. Students got a quick lesson on the water in the harbor though they seemed more interested in the free sprinkles on their scoopes of sweet ice cream. Here they are in all their glory!

Great Kids Farm!

2011-11-07T10:43:00.013-05:00

As part of the STEM component, Ms. Dy took students to Great Kids Farm in Cantonsville, Maryland. For a deeper and authentic understanding of soil, there was worm bins and soil sifting for students to be more "hands on". Their serivce learing helped the farm have richer compost for their spring plantings. Picking out the worms was one of the highlights of the trip. We got to see and learn about the beekeeping houses and thinned out vegetable gardens.

Students had many questions for Beth, our educator at the farm. Later it was off to take a hike to the water and see the goats. A little shy at first, the goats came around and neahed to us which was great to hear. Garlic was the highlight for some as they peeled cloves to understand how a clove can become a whole new garlic bulb and took it upon themselves to nibble on the raw garlic.

ZOOBOO!

2011-10-31T10:31:00.010-04:00

Halloween came with a trip to ZOOBOO on Friday, October 28th as we loaded up to the Maryland Zoo. There was a costume change then off to see the wild animals! Students saw many creatures including chimpanzees, penguins, cheetahs, birds, giraffes, and lions that were so close you could touch them. Later the students went trick- or- treating, navigated through a maze and gathered pumpkins. What a scary day it was!

First few weeks in the Creative Arts Studio

2011-10-21T12:03:00.009-04:00

These first few weeks in the art studio have found the BUGS students discussing why people make art & why they personally make art (see Maurice), constructing their first self portraits (value self portrait projects pictured below), sewing journals, and completing a basic print making project. It's going to be a year full of glue, paint, clay, hula hoops, sewing machines, learning, fun & growth!

Why Maurice makes art: "I make art because it's really really fun!!"

Below: Shoniqua works in her hand sewn self expression journal.

Value Self Portrait Projects

Students filled their traced profile with images of their personal values and objects they liked and then wrote an artist autobiography.

Working on the Bridgers' Community Values Banner

End of Summer/Fall Gardening

2011-10-11T13:12:00.001-04:00

Recently in gardening component, students completed a gardening scavenger hunt in which they identified many plants like kale, lettuce and sunflowers.
They did plenty of harvesting and planting and created beautiful gardening journals to record their activities and progress.

How Many Seeds In A Tomato?

2011-10-11T11:34:00.001-04:00

Students dissected tomato seeds. Using their estimation skills, they tried to determine the number of seeds in several tomatoes based on the number they counted in the first one. Their estimation skills improved greatly from their first tomato!

Students were amazed at how many tomato plants can be grown from the seeds in just one tomato!

Some End-of-the-Day Rec Room Fun

2011-10-11T11:26:00.001-04:00

Camp Puh'Tok Day Trip

2011-10-11T11:24:00.000-04:00

New students from Commodore John Rogers got to experience their first trip to the legendary Camp Puh'Tok! They saw and touched many exciting animals and got to cool off in the pool.

Baltimore Orioles Game

2011-10-11T11:20:00.000-04:00

On June 8^th
B.U.G.S. watched the Baltimore Orioles vs Oakland. As we munched on peanuts
and popcorn, we cheered and cheered until we could not wait any longer. The Orioles won 3-2!

Hula Hooping Fun In The Summer!

2011-10-11T11:16:00.002-04:00

BUGS Students Participate In A Variety Of Activities

2011-08-10T08:56:00.011-04:00

For the students of the BUGS Summer Program there was never a dull moment! Students participated in many different and fascinating activities throughout their weeks of camp. In light of many comments made by students they seemed to very much enjoy their time at the program and all of the various activities they did.

For example, students went on a very intriguing field trip to the Irvine Nature Center. During the trip students saw many animals and learned a lot about nature and wild life. As you can see, students seem to be very happy observing the animals.

Back on campus students continued to have fun doing other things. BUGS students have four basic components during their days on campus. These components include cooking, gardening, dancing, and service learning. During the gardening component of the day students learned how to harvest multiple crops.

Students harvested potatoes:

harvested garlic:

and even cherry tomatoes:

Throughout the days of camp, students were kept busy doing all of the wonderful activities. Some activities, such as the aerial dancing, were very tiring while being out in the sun all day long. So students were able to take a break and cool off in the sprinkler! It was so much fun and all the students enjoyed the time to just cool off and relax!

BUGS Summer Students Continue To Have A Blast

2011-08-09T08:37:00.015-04:00

The students at the BUGS Summer Program are continuing to have a lot of fun! The kids have been kept busy doing many interesting activities. These activities include many educational and fun adventures, projects, and field trips. For example during the first day of the session we did a scavenger hunt in the garden. Students found (and tasted!) everything from kale leaves to beets.

Then students got a special treat of being able to climb to the top of the tower on the Living Classrooms campus and enjoy a wonderful view.

Later in the week students went on a fun field trip to go pick blueberries. We had a ton of fun being out picking the blueberries! Then the next day we used some of the blueberries we handpicked to make wonderful blueberry muffins!

Finally, students participated in BUGS weekly trip to the Farmers Market. Each Tuesday two students from the BUGS Program are picked to attend the Farmers Market in order to sell the food and herbs the students have recently harvested from the garden or cooked in the kitchen. The Farmers Market always takes a lot of preparation and hard work but it is always a lot of fun!

BUGS Summer Program is Back!

2011-07-11T13:20:00.023-04:00

The BUGS summer program began with an awesome first day on June 27th and each and everyday since then has been just as exciting. BUGS students having been doing many exciting activities throughout their days at camp. Students have had the wonderful opportunity to learn aerial dancing with help from instructor Kelly Jo Stull. The children have had so much fun while learning this exciting form of dance and have spent all their time laughing and smiling while doing it. As you can see below they have become very good at aerial dancing!

Even teacher Mr. Algernon gave the aerial dancing a go!

In addition to aerial dancing students have also been working on art projects. The past couple weeks the students worked diligently on their new project! BUGS students made personally decorated pillows for a family member of their choice. There was a long process to complete in order to reach the finished product. The process included planing your design out on paper with pencil, then retracing the design on the fabric with fabric markers. The students then colored in their designs, glued on strips of ribbon and finally picked a piece of colored fabric to use as the back of their pillow.

Then came the more challegning part! Students learned the different parts of a sewing machine and how to use one so that they could sew their pieces of fabric together themselves! It was amazing how fast students were able to learn to use the sewing machine and how good they became at it! Finally, students had to stuff their pillows and hand sew the rest of the fabric together. It may have taken them a lot of steps to complete the project but they enjoyed the entire process and the finished products were definitely worth the work! All the pillows look great!!

BUGS summer students have also been working hard in the kitchen and garden to prepare food and drink for the local farmers market. BUGS Students participate in the Hamilton/ Lauraville Farmer's Market every Tuesday from 4-8 even throughout the summer months! BUGS kids bring wonderful products to the market including pickles, salad dressing, herb dips, iced tea, and many more so be sure to check it out!

The Return of BUGS on Stilts

2011-05-31T14:54:00.004-04:00

BUGS students had another opportunity to learn and train on the stilts. This time they were going to have a stilt-walking parade for the Farmer's Market.

Ms. Annie and her fellow stilters from Nana Projects came out to help train the students about stilt-walking. Prior to Ms. Annie coming out, the students watched a dvd called the UP AND DANCING: THE MAGIC OF STILTING. This dvd was about the Mookie Jumbies in Trinidad where stilt walking is very popular.

All of the students were given an opportunity to walk on the stilts. Believe me when I say that there were plenty of stumbles, bumps and falls. And for that reason, the first thing that the students are taught is how to fall - crossing the arms like an "X" across the chest while bending at the knees.
There was one major addition this year with the stilting. We had our own stilts made. BUGS was able to work with Mr. Josh and have 10 pair of stilts made. This was helpful because it allowed for more students to participate in the stilt walking parade. The Middle School students were able to help in completing the finished stilts. They used foam knee pads that were placed on the knee brace of the stilt and then wrapped it in duct tape to provide cushion and support.

Farmers Market Update!

2011-05-03T11:46:00.001-04:00

The greenhouse is overflowing with gorgeous healthy plants! This week we're tackling last minute transplanting and labeling to make sure everything is ready for the Farmers Market on Saturday. Can't wait to see you there!

...In The Garden

2011-04-12T14:52:00.000-04:00

As the weather warms in Baltimore, BUGS students get their hands dirty outside in the garden these days, not just inside the greenhouse. We added compost to the beds, turned the soil, pulled out the arugula and spinach that had over-wintered, and began to plant!

And planted several rows of lettuce! (As well as beets, spinach, potatoes, cabbage, onions, kale and peas).

AFRICAN DANCE NIGHT!!!

2011-04-06T13:37:00.005-04:00

On Friday, April 1st, Roland Park Elementary/Middle School held a free performance and African Dance Night. Our students went to see the performance and participate in the dance class. Willis Brandon, a former BUGS student, performed and took part in the dance class as well.

Our first stop, before arriving to RPEMS, was Five Guys in the Inner Harbor. The students had Cheese Burgers, Bacon Burgers and Bacon Cheese Burgers with fries. Man, did they devour those burgers and fries! All gone before they had to dance.
When we arrived at RPEMS, Ms. Williams, Ty'Jaih's mother, was there. She came to see the performance and watch the kids work up a sweat in the dance class.

Once the performance was over, Liz Pelton, the director of the RPEMS Dance Club, announced for everyone to participate in the African Dance Class. Diedre Dawkins Opare, along with her student, Sebastian, led the parents, teachers, friends, students and toddlers in a warm-up and high-energy dance class.
The BUGS Students tried everything! They jumped! They kicked! They swung their arms! They moved their torsos forward and back! They stomped their feet! Laugh! They finished it one time through and ran back to the line to try it all again! They were so excited and frenetic!

There were drummers keeping the crowd fill with music and energy! And the BUGS students had more than enough energy! It was high-impact and never wane!

And not to be outdone, they wanted me, Mr. Al, to try many of the moments! And I DID!! They were surprised that I could do them all very well!! Nonetheless, the trip was all about them and having a great time doing something they wouldn't get a chance to do on a regular basis! That's what BUGS is all about!!
After all of that dancing and exhaustion, we all took a quick ride down 83 South to take them all home. It was a great way to end the week!!

BUGS STILTERS: THE SEQUEL IN PICTURES

2011-04-01T13:17:00.009-04:00

The girls getting their turn on the stilts!

STRANDED BUGS

2011-03-31T13:19:00.003-04:00

It was suppose to be a trip to the Irvine Nature Center. Well, the vehicle, we were riding in, had other plans. While we were about 10 minutes away from our destination, the vehicle began to smoke. Luckily, we were on Owings Mills Boulevard and were able to pull over into the nearest strip mall.

Once, we got the students off the vehicle. I took them over to Buffalo Wild Wings to use the bathroom. We decided to stay at Buffalo Wild Wings and have french fries while waiting for Ms. Jane to come and pick us up.

They enjoyed themselves! Adventures never cease to end with the BUGS Program!!

**The smoking of the vehicle came from an unexpected busted hose!! We were safe!!

Ice Skating!!

2011-03-31T12:09:00.000-04:00

We recently went ice skating at the Mt.Pleasant Ice Skating rink. It was super fun, and with a bit of falling everyone still did a great job!

Farmer's Market Is Upon Us!

2011-03-30T12:24:00.000-04:00

Seed Balls!!!

2011-03-23T13:37:00.000-04:00

The younger girls of BUGS learned how to become guerilla gardeners last week. With a combination of clay, compost, seeds (we used a wildflower seed mix), and water, the girls whipped up a batch of simple, natural seed balls. Once dry, they can be dispersed into empty lots, bare patches of soil, or unused planter boxes to beautify their neighborhoods. We will most likely have some for sale at our annual BUGS Farmers Market (May 7th) as well!

This is the recipe we used:

http://heavypetal.ca/archives/2007/03/how-to-make-seedballs/

Greenhouse Garden Bed

2011-03-23T12:39:00.003-04:00

A few months ago, with Winter still in the air, the greenhouse garden bed was once again brought to life. The older girls of BUGS turned the soil and added compost from our compost tumbler. They then sowed several rows of carrots, radishes, spinach, pak choi, kohl rabi, and turnips.

Within a few weeks, lots of beautiful (delicious) seedlings had sprouted.

They have been carefully thinned (with plenty of thinnings ending up in students' mouths) and will continue to be cared for until it is time to harvest them!

BUGS GO FLAMENCO

2011-03-22T14:19:00.005-04:00

Over the years, our students have done African dance, ballroom dancing and tapping for the Expo. This year, I wanted to expand their world view and their dance experience. That expansion came in the form of Flamenco. This was a new style of dance for them. Many of them had not heard of or had seen flamenco done before. It was completely new to them.

We began the cycle with reading about the origin of flamenco dance in Spain, how the gypsies influence the dance form and how it grew into the style that is performed today. We watched a documentary about a flamenco dancer who was well-known in Boston, Omayra. She shared stories of her famous grandmother, with the same name, and how she help to change how women danced flamenco along with the movies that she was featured in. It was a moving documentary that really showcased the time, talent and even, difficulty with producing and cultivating dance.

Students begin learning Spanish terms used in flamenco. Palmas means hands. Floreo means movement of the hands. Planta and punta means the sole and toe of foot, respectively. With some of those terms, we began constructing a flamenco dance. Each group learned the basic Sevillanas step. It is a 6 count step that switches from side to side by using the feet and hands in coordination. The Middle School Group was the only group who was able to learn and use fans in their presentation. They were magnificent! Those girls were twirling, opening and closing those fans with such ease and grace. It was a joy to see it all choreographed into their dance.

All of the flamenco skirts and tops where specially sewn by Lexter Braxton. She has constructed many of the costumes for the children's performances.

Get into the performance!

AND THE STILT WALKING BEGINS...

2011-03-21T12:30:00.002-04:00

The Farmer's Market is fast approaching and we are looking forward to the surprise that will be on hand for the parents, teachers, family and community members to see. It's stilt-walking! Yes, it can be a bit daunting in the beginning but the BUGS Students look forward to what is in store for them. All kids want to be taller and be able to look above everyone. Stilt-walking is a great way that these two desires can be combine and be exciting for the students.

On the first day of stilt-walking, Ms. Annie and Mr. Eric, from Nana Projects, taught the students how to fall safely on the stilts. Whenever they begin to fall, they should cross their arms over their chest and bend their knees. This helps to protect their hands and knees from serious injury.
After being ushered from one pillar to the next pillar, the students very carefully and gingerly began to control the stilts and walk around. It was so great to have some giants walking around campus. Some of them were very comfortable on the stilts and made it look easy.
Wait until the Farmer's Market comes, our parade is going to be filled with some tall and vibrant stilt walkers.

WATCHING A FORMER BUGS STUDENT PERFORM

2011-02-16T12:23:00.003-05:00

It has been very promising to have many of our BUGS students transition from our elementary school program to the middle school program, many of those students go off to other schools that help to continue and challenge their education. Willis Brandon is one of those students. Willis Brandon is now a student at Roland Park Elementary/Middle School which is in the Roland Park area of Baltimore City.

One of the after-school programs he volunteers with is the RP Dance Club. Willis has been dancing for 4 years at Morton Street Dance Center. He has been assisting Ms. Liz Pelton, RP Dance Club teacher, on Fridays with demonstrating and executing choreography for the students.

Well, on Friday, Feb. 11th, Mr. Algernon and the Middle Schoolers ventured to RPEMS. The Middle Schoolers were informed of a children's performance that they were going to see but Mr. Algernon did not disclose who would be performing.

We arrived, settled into our seats and got prepared for the performance. Then Willis Brandon walked in, dressed in his costume and took his place. Ms. Liz had a group of her students introduced Willis and his partner, Morgan James, who also is a dancer at Morton Street Dance Center. Once the Middle Schoolers, all of whom went to BUGS with Willis, saw him, they sat up in their chairs and watched intently. Willis and Morgan danced a beautifully choreographed duet by Madi Jackson who is a teacher at Morton Street Dance Center and dancer with Full Circle Dance Company. This performance by Willis was the first performance they had seen of him dance outside of BUGS.

As we left, they were very excited and proud of their friend's performance. Great job by Willis and Morgan!! Thanks to Ms. Liz Pelton for allowing the BUGS Middle School Program attend this performance!!

Silly at BUGS

2011-02-11T11:40:00.000-05:00

We recently got the new game Twister Hoopla. It's different than the classic Twister as you have hoops that a partner and yourself have to hold. For example, you may spin the board to head to head, or elbow, to head, etc. As you can image this game gets pretty silly, pretty fast. I couldn't help taking some pictures of this super fun new game.

Card Self-Portraits

2011-02-11T11:34:00.000-05:00

I just had to show off some of our finished playing card paintings. We began looking at some famous portraits like the Mona Lisa, and some famous self-portraits, like the ones Frida Kahlo painted. Then we took playing cards and transformed the faces into our own, or someone we know. I think they are turned out beautifully, enjoy.

Chesapeake Arts Center trip

2011-02-10T10:59:00.009-05:00

It was a chilly day for a field trip to the Chesapeake Arts Center. Students sat in the large auditorium to enjoy the Universal African Dance and Drum Ensemble on February 3. There was first storytelling by Baba Abiodun. Then, an introduction to the western African instruments played like the Djembe drum, Djun-Djun Bass drum with a Kenkeni and more. A large assortment of drummers and dancers ranging from age 2 to age 70 captivated us as we watched and listened to this artistic performance. We even got to see a stilt walker known as “Chakaba” who acts as a spiritual police. The Dickerson family founded and directed this organization which promotes cultural awareness through the performing arts and we were very lucky to have seen such a great performance!

The Visionary Art Museum yeah!!

2011-01-19T12:21:00.000-05:00

On January 11th we went on a field trip to the The American Visionary Art Museum.
Here's a little info about the exhibition we saw.
What Makes Us Smile?" is the American Visionary Art Museum's 16th year-long exhibition — a playful celebration of human joy that is co-curated by renowned creator of "The Simpsons," Matt Groening, artist Gary Panter – known for, among many other things, his whimsy behind Pee-Wee Herman's Playhouse – and Museum founder Rebecca Hoffberger. "Smile" features the costumes, cartoons, out-loud & 3-D glee-filled surprises created by 90 artists, imps, and comedians with accompanying essays, factoids, quotes and blurbs that revel in the history and science behind the gift of laughter.

We also saw did the Wire Whimsy workshop. Inspired by visionary artist Wayne "Mad Max"McCaffery and his Three Cookie Jar's. Students transformed an ordinary box or jar into a wire coiled and random fun whimsy. We had a great time as usual!

2010-09-21T22:31:00.001-04:00

The BUGS Kitchen

2010-09-21T13:13:00.004-04:00

Here they are, all four episodes of The BUGS Kitchen:

The BUGS Kitchen: Salsa from Wide Angle Youth Media on Vimeo.

The BUGS Kitchen: Pesto from Wide Angle Youth Media on Vimeo.

The BUGS Kitchen: Hot Sauce from Wide Angle Youth Media on Vimeo.

The BUGS Kitchen: Pickles from Wide Angle Youth Media on Vimeo.

Films About Food Opening!

2010-09-21T09:15:00.007-04:00

This past Saturday BUGS had their big video opening at The Creative Alliance. We showed our cooking videos at the Food Network event. It was so nice to share this event with our wonderful students, and have their proud parents along as well.

... giggling actors watching themselves on the big screen!

New Episodes of "The BUGS Kitchen"

2010-09-15T15:50:00.002-04:00

Check out the final two episodes of "The BUGS Kitchen." Watch a mystery about peach salsa here: http://www.vimeo.com/14963986 , and then check out a silent movie about pesto here: http://www.vimeo.com/14940825.

Reminder: This Saturday "The BUGS Kitchen" will make its world premiere at the Creative Alliance. The videos will be screened continuously between 5:30 and 7:30 PM. There will be a very special Q & A with the BUGS film makers and actors at 7 PM in the main gallery. This event is free, so come on out! We will see you there.

Peppers from the BUGS Garden!

2010-09-15T14:56:00.001-04:00

Welcome to the BUGS Kitchen!

2010-09-08T09:27:00.008-04:00

Question: What is hotter than the summer of 2010, made by BUGS students and will make you very hungry? The BUGS Kitchen Cooking Shows! BUGS teamed up with Wide Angle Youth Media (www.wideanglemedia.org) to create four amazing cooking videos. David Sloan and his youth assistant, Doug, from Wide Angle taught BUGS students all about film production, camera angles, sound and script. Then, we all got to work both in front of and behind the camera. The vibe was serious but fun, and the finished product looks amazing! Don't take my word for it, see for yourself.

You can now watch the first two videos on Vimeo starring Aijha Pack and Ranoah Johnson (pictured above) and Miyah Montgomery (below). You'll laugh, you'll laugh some more, then you'll be so hungry you'll run to the store! Check out the Pickles video here: http://www.vimeo.com/14775554 , and then watch the Hot Sauce video here: http://www.vimeo.com/14776103

BUGS will be premiering all four videos at the Creative Alliance on Saturday, September 18th, 2010, from 5:30 - 7:30 PM (free) as part of their new art installment, "Food Network." We will be selling DVD's of the videos as well as answering all of your filming and cooking questions. There will be awesome art, free food and a chance to meet the stars of The BUGS Kitchen. We'll see you there!

And don't forget to tune in next week for, Pesto, a silent film, and Peach Salsa, a mystery.

!! Summer Time Hats !!

2010-08-30T10:48:00.007-04:00

After reading the charming book Aunt Flossie's Hats, we made some hats of our own. It was great fun figuring out the construction, and finding our own look when decorating. We loved rockin' our new hat style in these fun pics, enjoy!

BUGS STILTERS: THE SEQUEL IN PICTURES

2010-08-12T12:12:00.007-04:00

The 2nd week of the Second Summer Session was just completed with more stilt walking. This group of students, though a bit more nervous, still accepted the challenge of stilt walking with courage and tenacity.

Ranoah Johnson and De'Eric Griffin getting acclimated while Ms. Jodie gives them some tips.

Angel Burton helps Ranoah get comfortable while De'Eric steadies himself.

Aaron Duckett practices without Ms. Annie. He was the Student of the Week. It took him the 3 days to accomplish stilt walking without a spotter. WE ARE SO PROUD OF YOU, AARON!!!

Taylor Bennett making it away from the railing.

Angel made it look so easy! She must have taken her first steps on stilts. LOL!!!
Aaron is getting closer to stilt walking without hands.
Not one to be left out, De'Eric keeps the stilt walking easy and breezy.

Love that hat, De'Eric!
Aaron made it from the railing to the table. That's not a short distance!! Ms. Annie helps him sit.

Ms. Annie tightens Aaron's stilts.
Ms. Valeska, Ms. Jodie and Ms. Annie in the Certificate ceremony.
Angel receiving her certificate and walking on much taller stilts.
Aaron made it from the railing to Ms. Annie all on his own!
Taylor grabs that certificate and quickly makes it back to the railing.
De'Eric, once again, making it look so natural.
Ranoah got her certificate after much encouragement and overcoming her fear of falling. She made it over to Ms. Annie.
Ms. Niko, Nana Projects Intern, has gotten comfortable very quickly on the stilts. Would you believe it was her very FIRST TIME on the stilts.

Group Picture!! Smile!!! Check out the videos!!

A BUGS LIFE ON STILTS

2010-08-06T08:24:00.008-04:00

(Daquan Richardson laughs after he falls from his stilts.)

As the 2nd Summer Session of the BUGS Summer Program began, our students had the opportunity to learn stilt walking from Nana Projects, a local company of stilt walkers who teach and perform around the city. Annie Howe, along with Ms. Valeska, Ms. Kisling and Ms. Niko, came to the Living Classrooms campus to teach our students about stilt walking.

(Ms. Annie helps Jerrel Mack get comfortable on the stilts.)

On the 1st day, Ms. Annie and her fellow teachers taught the students how to fall. There is a correct way for stilters to fall. If you find that you'll begin to fall, it is best to fall forward, bending and landing on your knees and breaking the end of the fall with your hands. While the students were practicing on the field, it began to rain and the remainder of the session happened in the Great Room.

(Keshaun Watkins walking with only one hand with Ms. Annie.)

Once the stilts were placed on the students, each one of the teachers would be a spotter - someone who would help the student get comfortable walking on the stilts. Practicing in the Great Room was so beneficial for the students. There were pillars that they could walk to.
This gave them a real and tangible distance for them to find attainable. They walked from pillar to pillar to the chairs or scaled along the wall to get comfortable. By the end of the 1st day, some of the boys were walking on their own.

(Ms. Annie ties stilts onto KeShaun.)

(Daquan making it look easy.)

On the 2nd day, we all ventured outside. The stilts were tied on. The boys with a spotter walked to the railing. They had a longer distance and a wider space to walk in the stilts. After some coaxing and ease, they began to venture around on the ground. They fell, got back up, fell again and got back up. They tried and reached their goal.
(Jailen Johnson scaling the rail.)

(Mr. Al wearing taller stilters and a carnival hat.)
(Allen Wright charging ahead.)
(Mr. Al braving the taller stilts.)

It was the final day of stilt walking with the boys. Ms. Annie was able to bring hats and sequenced vests for us to wear. We had a marching parade around the field and on the walkway. We were like avatars with our long legs prancing about.

(Mr. Al with Jerrel, Jerwon Mack, KeShaun and Daquan marching onward.)

On the last day, we wore our hats and vests and took a group picture. Ms. Annie and her crew gave each one of the boys a Certificate of Completion. The certificate stated that each of them were officially stilt walkers. What a great experience for them!

(Mr. Al with all the boys - Jerwon, Jailen, KeShaun, Daquan, Allen, Jerrel, Harry Santos and DeAndre Berry.)

Another Successful Farmers Market in Hamilton!

2010-08-03T08:13:00.002-04:00

...AND THE SUMMER SESSIONS COMES TO AN END!

2010-07-23T10:22:00.003-04:00

As the last week of the Summer Session comes to an end, the Older Girls group experienced bikram yoga and step aerobics. They were very honest and expressed how hard yoga was. They exclaimed how hot it was in the room and the difficulty in doing some of the poses. And yet, they tried each one of the poses.
Step aerobics was on Wednesday. This they enjoyed. It had great music., an energetic teacher and a mirror to see themselves move. They all thought of it as danced. They sweated, drank water, toweled off and got right back into the groover. They clapped. They kicked. They had fun!
With the last group experiencing a "Summer of Fitness Through Movement," it's time to move on to session two with stilt walking. Let's see what that brings!!

Mr. Reggie with Diamond Johnson, Kayle Manning, Breonna Vincent, Ayonna Moore, Ty'Jaih Gill and Brittane Vincent!

BUGS Farm Stand!!

2010-07-21T08:59:00.000-04:00

It's really happening! The BUGS Farm Stand at Living Classrooms Foundation will be set up TODAY, Wednesday July 21st, from 12:30-2:30.
Organic produce! Fresh products like pesto, pickles and salad dressings! Big smiles from kids REALLY excited to sell you some healthy food!
802 S. Caroline Street 21231
Hope to see you there!

BUGS STEP AEROBICS

2010-07-16T09:14:00.002-04:00

MORE STEP AEROBICS WITH MR. REGGIE

2010-07-16T08:56:00.002-04:00

The Middle School Girls had a step aerobics class with Mr. Reggie. He is instructing them on how to place your foot on the step before they began any of the step phrases.
The girls really thought it was going to be easy when Mr. Reggie demonstrated some of the step aerobic phrases. After Mr. Reggie very easily showed the movements, Taleyah says, "Mr. Al, I really like this!" "Wait until it speeds up," I say to Taleyah. She exclaims, "It speeds up?" "It sure does!" Then Mr. Reggie puts on the music and it began!!
They moved all around the step. They laughed and enjoyed themselves as they completed the "L" Step, the Straddle with a Knee Lift, Knee Lifts and the Turn Step. Sweat came pouring down their brows. Water was gulped whenever they got a chance. It was fun, upbeat and energetic.
Mr. Reggie is below with Ronoah Johnson, Taylor Bennett, Angel Burton, Aijha Pack, Taleyah Little and Miyah Montgomery.

Farm Stand cancelled due to rain.

2010-07-14T11:24:00.002-04:00

Thanks to everyone who came out last night and supported the B.U.G.S. Program at the Hamilton Farmers Market. I just wanted to put the word out that we have to, unfortunately, cancel today's farm stand in Fells Point due to the rain. We still plan on having the farm stand next Wednesday, so I hope we'll see you then.

BUGS BIKRAM YOGA

2010-07-13T08:37:00.003-04:00

The second week of the BUGS Summer Program is underway and it began with the Middle School Girls taking bikram yoga. Bikram yoga is more commonly known as "Hot Yoga." The room is heated at 105 degrees. The class was taught by Ms. Becky. She has been studying and taking bikram yoga for 4 years. She has had the opportunity of teaching high schools and that experience has aided her in instructing middle and elementary school students.

The girls were instructed in the various poses of the Standing Series. They began with the Breathing Series. Their hands were interlaced under the chin with the elbows touching. As they inhaled, their elbows rose above their shoulders and for the more flexible students, above the head. As they exhale, the head was pushed back by the hands while making a "H" sound as the air was released through their mouths. Every series of poses were completed two times on each side - the right side and the left side. From the beginning, sweat dripped down the faces of the students but they persevered.
The girls tried every pose from the Half Moon: a pose with the arms stretched above the head, hands interlaced, index finger pointing upward and stretching to the right or left side while pushing your hips in the opposite direction. This allows for a full stretch from the fingertips to the feet. Standing Bow is done by balancing on one leg while grabbing the opposite leg from the inside of the foot and jetting yourself forward. Aijha Pack demonstrates the Standing Bow.
As Ms. Becky took the girls through the other poses, they tried The Eagle - an entanglement of the legs, The Awkward Pose - a balance pose with the legs apart flat-footed or on the toes where one sits on an imaginary chair, and The Triangle Series - where the legs are further apart, one leg bends, the other is straight, the torso is reaching over towards the bent leg while the same arm as leg is reaching downward, the opposite arm is reaching upward and the face is in profile. Lastly, the girls tried the Toe Stand. Angel Burton and Aijha Pack really succeeded in executing this pose.
Ms. Becky with Miyah Montgomery, Taleyah Little, Ronoah Johnson, Angel Burton and Aijha Pack.

Special thanks to Bikram Yoga Baltimore in the East Harbor for all of their assistance and great staff!

Hamilton Market Tomorrow and Farm Stand on Wednesday!!! Please join us.

2010-07-12T15:43:00.003-04:00

Hi Again,

I just wanted to let everyone who reads this blog know that we will have delicious produce and student made foods available tomorrow (Tuesday) at the Hamilton Farmer's Market from 4 to 8 pm. I am also delighted to announce that we will have our first ever BUGS Farm Stand this coming Wednesday from 12:30 to 2:30 pm. If you are available during the day please stop by the Living Classrooms campus (802 S. Caroline Street, Baltimore, MD 21231) during this time. Students will be under a tent selling their produce directly.

Some items we plan to have at both the market and stand this week include:

From our organic students' gardens:

Chard

Beets

Green Peppers

and whatever else we can harvest.

From our kitchen (products made by the students using ingredients from their garden):

Sage Dip

Balsamic Vinaigrette

Raspberry Vinaigrette

Pickles

Dilly Beans

Pesto

Hope to see you there!

Cooking potatoes with friends pt. 2

2010-07-12T15:38:00.002-04:00

Jailen was quite succinct in his description, so I thought I'd add a few words. Today the students did a wonderful job harvesting red, yellow, and purple potatoes from our garden, as well as chard, beets, and rosemary to cook with. As a team they cut the potatoes into fries and the beets into strips and tossed them in olive oil with rosemary and some other spices. The students had fun ripping the chard into little pieces and then simmering them in vegetable broth. A fun day here at BUGS. --- Mr. Jason

cooking potatoes with friends

2010-07-12T14:04:00.004-04:00

Today we cooked potatoes into fries with rosemary made from our garden. We made chard in a pot. I thought it was fun and amazing. By JAILEN. Photos Daquan.

A SUMMER OF SPORT AND MOVEMENT FITNESS

2010-07-09T09:13:00.003-04:00

As the BUGS Summer Program begins, students are having some new and different experiences. For this first session, they are being introduced to step aerobics. The students, above and below, were given an introduction to step aerobics by Mr. Reggie. He is a personal trainer at The Cooley Gym at John Hopkins Hospital. When we arrived, the boys quickly changed and gathered in the exercise room. Mr. Reggie introduced himself and then gave them the basics of step aerobics. They were taught the Basic Step, the "V" Step, Ham Curl, Single and Repeater Knee and the "Turn-Around." Step aerobics raises the heart rate, builds stamina and challenges your endurance. Along with those aspects, it also improves upon musicality, listening skills, coordination, stretch and mathematic skills. It also helps in understanding phrasing with movement. All of these aspects are important to dance and creative movement. With a big thank you to Mr. Reggie, a great time was had by all.

Summer Potato Harvest!!

2010-07-08T14:28:00.003-04:00

First Summer Market in Hamilton

2010-07-08T14:03:00.004-04:00

At the beginning of the farmers market we had to set up our stand and display the products that we were selling. That day we sold pesto, secret salad dressing (it's a secret, so don't ask), dill PICKLES, tea (peach lavender rosemary honey tea), herbs, greens (kale and rainbow chard), and beets. We forgot the tent so we had to go back to get it. By the time we came back we had sold a bunch of beets. By the end of the market, we had sold out of beets completely. At the market I met the vice president of Living Classrooms. I didn't know who he was and he tested me to see what I knew about BUGS. It's ok, I passed the test. The other stands had some beautiful products. One man sold stained glass that he made himself. Around 6:30 we ate some chicken and ribs that someone was selling at the market. People really like the iced tea, maybe because it was over 100 degrees out. Many customers said they were coming back the next week. (Written by Aijha Pack.)

Sauerkraut!

2010-07-08T12:37:00.005-04:00

In order for us to make our sauerkraut we had to pick cabbagesssszzzz. THEN we washed them off, sliced them and shredded them, added salt to bring the water out, grabbed the cabbage and rung it out, and kept on squeezing and squeezing until the water came above the cabbage in the bowl. THEEEEN we put it all in one pot, pushed the cabbage down as far as it would go, put a weight on top of it and covered it to let it ferment and become SAUERKRAUT! (Written by Taleyah Little and Angel Burton.)

EDIE, THE DANCING CRAB - The Premiere Event of the Season

2010-06-10T14:16:00.002-04:00

After many weather delays, the day finally arrived for the BUGS After-School Program's Annual Expo at Johnston Square. The students were excited. Parents and family members were anxious. Friends were wondering what all of the talk was about. It was the first presentation of a children's play by the BUGS Students. The play was written by Mr. Algernon. The students put a great deal of hard work and time into memorizing the lines, knowing their blocking and learning about the elements of theatre. Ms. Rachel, the Art Teacher, was able to guide the students in making props, costumes, the set and set pieces. It was a real collaborative effort between Ms. Rachel and Mr. Algernon.

Ms. Rachel was able to have a photographer friend, also named Rachel, to come in and take photographs before, during and after the show. The actors were elated. They posed, smiled and surround one another with such pride and confidence.

After the show was complete, all of the actors received a standing ovation from the audience. They were filled with such confidence and self-esteem.

I wonder what the next play will be about. HMMMMM!!

Enjoy the video!!!

TAP, TAP, TAPPING AT THE BUGS FARMER'S MARKET

2010-06-08T13:17:00.003-04:00

For our annual farmer's market, the BUGS Students presented tap dance for the performance. They learned about Gregory Hines, the Nicholas Brothers and Gene Kelly. They were great pioneers in the field of tap. Watching videos of all of these performers got all of the students excited about tapping. They were taught the basics... toe, heel and dig. Then slowly creating a choreographic work around the steps and phrases that were taught - The Shirley Temple, Cramp Rolls and the like. With all of that, they were ready to perform for an audience.

First Spring Salad

2010-05-25T13:54:00.000-04:00

Well the radishes have long since quadrupled in size, but here are some students enjoying their first spring salad of 2010 from the BUGS garden. Fresh spinach, kale, chard, beet greens, baby carrots, radishes greens and radishes. Mmm.

BUGS Farmers Market Saturday May 1st

2010-04-27T09:53:00.002-04:00

The annual BUGS Farmers Market is THIS coming Saturday, May 1st. The gardener in you cannot resist these luscious kales and chards, seductive eggplants, hot and sweet peppers, tomatoes, tomatoes, tomatoes, energetic summer squashes, prolific cucumbers, and flowers and herbs of all kinds, all ready to be transplanted into your garden. In addition to plants, there will prepared foods (like granola and salad dressing, complete with BUGS lettuce from the greenhouse), irresistible journals and hair clips, self-watering containers and a photo booth with pictures printed on the spot.

EVERYTHING MADE BY BUGS STUDENTS!

And do not miss the tap dancing performance at 11:30.

Don't deny yourself, c'mon out to Living Classrooms Foundation (802 S. Caroline Street, 21211). 10:00 a.m. - 1 p.m.

It's Farmers Market Time!!!

2010-04-12T13:21:00.003-04:00

Hello all, it's that time of year again. Put it on your calenders and come hang out with BUGS May 1st. We'll have dancing, flowers, homemade food, and crafts, all at our student run market. All ways a good time, hope you can make it!

Pics from the best play ever! Edie the Dancing Crab

2010-03-16T13:21:00.004-04:00

My wonderful friend Rachel Smith came and took some beautiful pictures of the play. Enjoy!

CRABS CAN DANCE, TOO!! WHO KNEW!!!

2010-03-05T14:14:00.003-05:00

On Thursday, March 4th, the BUGS After-School Program was finally able to premiere Edie, the Dancing Crab for the annual Winter Expo at Johnston Square Elementary. We had one snow storm, a conference and the threat of another snow storm that kept pushing the performance date back week after week. But we prevailed!!!
During the weeks preparing for this performance, the students learned about the theatre. They were introduced to Sidney Poitier and Dorothy Dandridge both of whom got there start in the theatre, went on to get nominated for Academy Awards and while Sidney Poitier also won, Dorothy Dandridge was the first African-American woman to be nominated for the award. We played theatre games like Grocery Store where students had to yell out items that could be purchased at a grocery store while running to the wall and touching the imaginary item. There was a game that I created called a Day at the Theatre. Students answered a set of 10 questions that pertained to the previous days' lesson about the theatre. For each one of the questions answered correctly, they were able to obtain that number of tosses. The bean bag had to land in the circle of a particular part of the stage that had a point equivalent. Center Stage had 20 pts while Stage Right would have 10 pts and so on. Once the points were accumulated, the top three scorers would get a prize.
At the start of the Theatre Cycle, I went around to each one of the groups to inform them of the production and that auditions will be held. Students interested in auditioning took a small monologue, had to memorize it and then audition a few days later for a role in the play. Once the actors were chosen, we had a read-thru of the final version of the play with the cast members. Then we went into rehearsals. I rehearsed with the kids on Fridays and non-after-school days to let them know the magnitude of what they were doing and the responsibility that it entailed. They all handled the responsibility with grace. They had to memorize their lines, learn their blocking, learn how to better articulate, pronounce and enunciate their words and project their voices.
Ms. Rachel, the Art Teacher, was able to get all of the students in our program involved with the set pieces, the costumes and props. Our students had to learn and be made aware that there are so many aspects to the theatre. Everyone isn't an actor, actress or director but from the costume designer, makeup artist, set makers, painters and musicians all play a role in making the show successful. The Younger Boys played the introduction and ending show music. They came up with the music and its rhythms on their own. They were great!
It's the day of the show. We had a full house of parents, siblings, relatives and friends. They were all there to be supportive, encouraging and see what the kids had done. Ms. Heather, our director, made a few announcements. I followed with a few words then introduced the play. The Younger Boys began and the audience was silent. Once the music ended, Edie's mother spoke and the play was off and running. The audience smiled, laughed, listened and then loudly and thunderously applauded as each child took their bows. I gave each one of the actors a flower which they were very proud to get. Parents were pleased and grateful. Ms. Rachel's friend, Rachel, who is a photographer took some great photos of our students in their full costumes before and after the show.
Edie, the Dancing Crab is a play that was originally a puppet show, expanded into a children's play, performed this past summer at the Enoch Pratt Orleans Branch Library. Edie, the Dancing Crab is a play about how each person has their own way to dance regardless of who they are. They must simply find their own way to dance and embrace it!

EDIE, THE DANCING CRAB

Written and Directed by Algernon Campbell

Edie, the Dancing Crab Kayle Manning

Edie's Mother Taylor Bennett

Edie's Father Anthony Mobley

Johnny, the Jellyfish Jerwon Mack

Edgar, the Electric Eel Tyrek Scott, Jr.

Sissy, the Seahorse Kerron Webb

Freda, the Fish Monaye Moore

Sandy, the Sea Urchin Breonna Vincent

The Guppy Triplets

Bammi Harry Santos, III

Cammi Ronoah Johnson

Tammi Aijha Pack

* A special thanks goes out to Rachel Smith for the pre-show and after-show photos. We can't wait to see them! Also to Jenna Reynolds, whose little doodle help to inspire a puppet show and its expansion to a children's play!

The entire cast along with BUGS teachers!

Look out for the video!!!

BUGS receives Annie's Gardening Grant!

2010-02-22T13:47:00.001-05:00

BUGS (Baltimore Urban Gardening with Students) was selected for a $250 grant to build a garden at Johnston Square Elementary School in East Baltimore. We are in the running for an extra $250 but need your votes to make it happen!

See the links below for more information and spread this around. The project with the most votes by February 24th gets the extra money. Help us continue to educate the youth of Baltimore City through gardening!

TO VOTE:

http://www.facebook.com/annieshomegrown?ref=mf#!/annieshomegrown?v=app_20678178440&ref=mf

(if this doesn't take you right to the polls, click on the POLL tab)

FOR INFO ON THE GRANT AND OTHER PROJECTS IN THE RUNNING:

http://www.facebook.com/notes/annies-homegrown/help-us-pick-a-500-grants-for-gardens-recipient/342665056124

Aaaaaand...here's the BUGS facebook group if you're not a fan yet:

http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=261576755686&ref=ts

Thank you so much in advance for your support!

Banh Xeo

2010-02-01T15:15:00.008-05:00

Hi, I'm Angel Burton and I'm a happy BUGS student because the Banh Xeo activity was very fun, and it filled my tummy. As you can see I'm holding chop sticks because that is what you use to enjoy Banh Xeo.

Banh Xeo is a Vietnamese Crepe that literally means, "sizzling crepe." Here it is getting nice and crispy in a wok in the BUGS kitchen. Big thanks to Thao Nguyen for sharing her culinary culture with the BUGS middle school students.

Here are the ingredients:

Batter = rice flour, coconut milk, scallion, tumeric and salt

Filling = sprouts, carrots (GKF), shrimp and sprouted mung beans

Nuoc Cham (dipping sauce made with fish sauce)= 1\2 chilli (sliced thin), 8 tbsp. sugar, 1 clove of garlic, 3 tbsp. fish sauce, 1 1\2 tbsp. lime juice

Wow! That is good! Yummy in Aleshia's tummy. To eat Banh Xeo you first take a piece of crispy romaine lettuce, fill it with mint and cilantro and a nice piece of Banh Xeo. Then, wrap it up, dip it in the Nuoc Cham and eat it up!

This is Aijha one of the middle school girls making Banh Xeo ( Bahn Sow), which is originally from Vietnam . Mr. Drew' s friend, Ms. Thao, came and helped us make this dish, and this was delicious !!!!!!!!!!! EVERYBODY in the class liked it, even the assitant manger Ms. Jane. She said that it was great!

Fermentation Haiku by: BUGS Older Girls '09-'10

2010-01-28T14:56:00.001-05:00

I like fish sauce

Fermentation is awesome

We enjoyed the food!

REHEARSALS

2010-01-28T14:34:00.014-05:00

EDDIE THE DANCING CRAB

FEB 11 2010 5pm

Johnston Square Elementary

EDIE THE DANCING CRAB CAST

Edie - Kayle Manning

Mom - Taylor Bennett

Dad - Anthony Mobley

Cammi - Ronoah Johnson

Johnny - Jerwon Maek

Edgar - Tyrek Scott

Freda - Monaye Moore

Sandi - Breonna Vincent

Rehearsals today went well: practice, practice, practice!

Learning to bow with Mr. Algernon:

E N C O R E !

D I R T S H A K E

2010-01-28T13:34:00.014-05:00

Dirt Cake!?

A DIRT AND SOIL lesson about compost-able matter (trash into treasure) turned into a dirt treat last Thursday in Ms. Melissa's class!

This cake was loaded with organic matter-

Worms and Soil! We learned that these things are good for growing in, and even better for eating!

The Most Important Meal of the Day!

2010-01-14T16:09:00.006-05:00

You need three food groups for breakfast. A well-balanced breakfast is when you eat three food groups. Also, breakfast is the most important meal of the day! (Ranoah Johnson)

Breonna Vincent shows off her frozen fruit smoothie.

We made frozen fruit smoothies. The ingredients we put in there were frozen peaches, strawberries, bananas, yogurt, milk and walnuts. We put it in the blender, and when it was done we took it out and ate it. (Shaunda Mobley)

Ranoah Johnson poses with her strawberry smoothie.

I did not like the smoothies because of the strawberry and the stuff that is in it, but the other people liked it because the stuff that was in it like honey. (Brittane Vincent)

Preparing Our Garden For Winter

2009-12-11T15:12:00.002-05:00

On Tuesday, we brought in the final harvest from our garden and needed to turn our soil over to plant our cover crop. First we had to get all of our materials. Then we had to harvest plants and pick weeds from around plants. We also had to take the beds apart. Also we had to turn it over with a rake or a hoe.Mr.jason also told us what jobs we had to do. For example we had to take the materials back. We also had to put gloves on for protection in case a piece of wood get stuck in one of our hands.I liked it a lot because we got to work together.

Written By:Miyah Montgomery

BUGS Visit Red Tree in Hampden, and Enjoy 34th Street

2009-12-10T15:58:00.003-05:00

Visiting Mrs.Carmen

On the visit to Mrs. Carmen's store '' Red Tree'' we talked and looked around in her store. There were lots of expensive and beautiful things. There were edible things,and more. When we went there Mrs .Carmen had talked and asked questions about the store. We also asked and answered her questions. We also sold our tree ornaments that we had left over from the tree sale that we had. Then Mrs.Carmen had gave Mr. Jason money to get us hot chocolate,it was ten of us. The place that we received our hot chocolate was at ''New System Bakery''. There was a nice and kind woman named Ms. Debbie,that showed us where the hot chocolate was. After that Mr. Jason had took us to this very beautiful street that had just lots and lots of beautiful lights. On that block there was this first house that we first had to look at the house and then we had to sign in on this paper, but we never knew what it was for. Then we saw this nice, sweet and beautiful dog that was very friendly to people or other dogs maybe cats too. This visit was very FUN!!!!!!!!!!!!!

By: Taleyah

Little

Farm to Fork to Poop

2009-12-08T13:57:00.008-05:00

For the next month the Younger Bows and Girls Groups will be learning all about the Digestive System. The Digestive System is the system of organs that convert food into energy. It is extremely important for human beings to have a healthy and active Digestive System.

Today, we made a Frittata using produce and eggs from Great Kids Farm in Baltimore. The bok choy, sunchokes, and eggs were grown and cared for by students from Baltimore City Public Schools. BUGS students volunteer at Great Kids Farm (http://www.bcf.org/givenow/givenow1.aspx?f=307150&c=FARM) every two weeks when they are in Mr. Jason's class. A Frittata is an Italian omelet. What makes a Frittata different than the omelets that we are all familiar with is that they are not folded, instead they are finished in an oven.

We watched, "The Magic School Bus, For Lunch." In this episode the class goes inside Arnold's Digestive System. The enter in the mouth, travel through the esophagus, stomach, small and large intestine, and then come up and out again through his mouth.

We put the Frittata into the oven at 425 degrees and waited, and waited, and waited. The Frittata was not done when we had to leave, so we ate it the next day for snack. It was worth the wait!

Attention Sir! KIYAH!!!

2009-12-02T12:32:00.011-05:00

It started!! BUGS Karate Masters!!!!

BUGS students were given a chance to receive a karate lesson at Joe Palanzo's Kenpo Karate (www.pikesvillemartialarts.com) from Mr. Chris. Mr. Russell, the manager, allowed the BUGS Students to come in and learn the training horse, left fighting stance, and certain karate blocks.

The students were given white blocks which symbolized their early training in the karate form. Karate is an art form that is very disciplined, requires a great deal of focus, and strength.

With Mr. Chris, as their instructor, they were able to learn the upward, outward, inward, downward, and side elbow blocks. He started with them learning each arm separately, then progressed to the opposite arm. After learning on both sides, they used both arms. Mr. Chris came with an arm pad. As he charged with the arm pad, the students were able to block each one of the charges. Some were very successful while others did offer up many laughs as Mr. Chris carefully tapped the student when they missed the block. That garnered so many laughs from the other students.

He did such a wonderful job wit the students. Hopefully, this will not be the last time Mr. Chris gets to teach the BUGS Students.

For each group that came, Mr. Chris tailored each class to the group. He kept some things pretty consistent and was able to make each group's experience different and worthwhile. The older boys were able to run towards the punching dummies and

hit it with the heel of their hands. The older girls were able to break the

different colored boards from easy to difficult.

Great Kids Farm

2009-11-16T12:49:00.000-05:00

BUGS has developed a wonderful relationship with Great Kids Farm, the farm owned by the Baltimore City Public School System. Located in Catonsville, the 33-acre farm is leading the way in exposing Baltimore students to nutritional and agricultural education. Starting last spring, over this summer and continuing this fall, BUGS students have witnessed the farm's growth. They saw rows and rows of produce where months before there was nothing but grass. They were among the first to meet the goats and chickens. And they have lent a hand with several tasks around the farm from seeding and harvesting microgreens in the greenhouse to pulling up dead plants to feeding the goats. As part of Mr. Jason's service learning component, each group of students has and will continue to visit the farm. During these visits, they work and take the lessons they've learned to do their part to fill the need they see in their community of spreading nutritional education. In addition, Mr. Drew has begun to receive a share of produce every other week from the farm to use in his kitchen. This is a part of his aim to use all local ingredients in his cooking lessons. We hope to maintain this exciting partnership with Great Kids Farm!

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/05/05/AR2009050500876.html

New raised bed in greenhouse!

2009-11-06T12:21:00.000-05:00

Last month, the older boys constructed a raised bed inside the BUGS greenhouse. They built the walls with cinderblocks and filled it in with compost and soil. This addition to our greenhouse will allow us to grow vegetables all throughout the winter!

A Ballroom Dancing Experience

2009-11-02T12:29:00.001-05:00

It was Wednesday, Oct. 14th, and it was going to be an early and long day. It began with me arriving at the BUGS Campus at 8 am. I had some last minute details to finish up before venturing to Johnston Square Elementary School to pick up the 11 students who were going to be performing at the Hippodrome Pavilion Hall for the yearly Lights On Luncheon being held by the Maryland State Department of Education. I had picked up one student earlier on my way to campus. He is a Paul Laurence Dunbar student.

I arrived on campus, printed out some last minute paperwork, got the keys to the van I would be using, and gathered a breakfast snack for the kids to have when we arrived at the Hippodrome. I was picking them up at 9 am and left a 30 minute window for students who wanted to change before leaving the school, bathroom breaks, and pictures from any of the teachers. Good thing, I did!! They needed it and so did I. Bustling around, it gave me a few minutes to gather my frenetic energy and slow it down. Admittedly, I was excited for them and had to contain it.

We had done so much work preparing for this day. Towards the end of our BUGS Summer Session, we were visited by representatives of MSDE. They wanted to see what progress we were making with our students and how our program day was operating. In July, we were awarded the William H. White Award for Outstanding After-School Program from 21st Century Community Learning Centers.

After viewing my class hard at work on the music for the puppet show we would be presenting, Heather Rebstad, our program director, informed me that our program was asked to do a short performance at the Lights On Luncheon at the Hippodrome in October. Needless to say, I was very excited. What a great opportunity for our program and our students. Since the ballroom dancing component was so successful, it was a no brainer. Our students would do a ballroom dancing routine.

Then I had to get down to determining which students to choose. I needed students whom I knew would pick up the choreography very well, execute it equally as well, be committed, be disciplined, represent our program well when they were not dancing and have parents who would understand, support and encourage this incredible opportunity. Young people want to be involved in so many projects and yet, we need to have the full support of the parents as well. It gives it another level of focus and importance. It teaches the student follow-through, commitment, discipline and perseverance. All of which they need in order to have continued success in any arena.

After I gathered them, we headed to the Hippodrome. Once we arrived, they ate their breakfast snack and drank their juice. After some other dressing situations, we practiced a bow. Each student would have an opportunity at the end of the ballroom dance presentation to be individually introduced. We then headed into a huge and beautifully set-up pavilion to have a brief rehearsal in the space so they would be comfortable with where they would be performing and know what directions to face and such.

Just as the program began, the remaining BUGS Staff arrived with the parents of the performing students. All of the students were well-dressed and well-mannered. Everyone complimented them on their appearance, their behavior, and looked forward to seeing them perform the luncheon. Everyone had an appetizing lunch and even had a key-chain measuring tape and a box of small candies to take with them once the luncheon was over.

After the students finished eating their lunch, I gathered them up and took them in the foyer to get ready and calm down before the actual performance. The attendees listened to Jose Rico who is in the Education Department at the White House. As the talk went on, they began to get a little restless. Their nerves were getting the best of them. "Just be a little more patient! We'll be dancing in a few moments." I said to them. "I'm ready to dance!" "I'm nervous!" "What if I make a mistake?" These were just a few of the comments made as they waited. The time was getting closer. The speaker was done.

They were lined up, partnered, and ready to go. After their introduction from me, they entered the pavilion calmly and elegantly. The music began and they danced. They performed the Tango first. They were together. Clean. Smiling. Enthusiastic. The Tango ended and they immediately went into their positions for the Swing. This would be a crowd pleaser. As the music played, they bounced their shoulders, smiled at each other and the audience, brightened their faces and just gave a great performance. Once the song ended, they bowed and the attendees gave them a STANDING OVATION! Thunderous applause!!

They were introduced and then exited, partnered, from the pavilion. I gathered them outside in the foyer and before I could say anything, I CRIED!! I was so full of pride, joy and happiness for them. I got myself together. I told them, "I am so proud of each one of you! You all did such a wonderful job! I cannot thank you enough for your hard work, your commitment, your dedication, and your behavior. I want so much for you! And more importantly, I love each one of you!"

We gathered our things and headed back to Johnston Square. The day wasn't over. BUGS would still be happening in the afternoon and they needed to be ready for that.

One thing I did miss, Nancy Grasmick, the Maryland State Superintendent, complimented the BUGS Students and said so many glowing things about them.

What a great day! Congratulations to the BUGS Students for a spectacular performance!! You can accomplish so much!

The students who participated in this ballroom dancing presentation are...

Willis Brandon, Jr., partnered with Bria Sample

Kenard Dansbury, Jr., partnered with Angel Ramsey

Jeremiah Gaskins partnered with Ronoah Johnson

Jerrell Mack partnered with De'Asia Edwards

Jerwon Mack partnered with Kerron Webb

Harry Santos, III, partnered with Andrea Carmichael

I cannot thank them enough! Way to go, BUGS!!! Enjoy the ballroom dancing presentation video below.

A Fellow Morehouse Man Comes to Teach Capoeira

2009-10-30T13:20:00.000-04:00

As the Dance and Creative Movement Teacher, I have an opportunity to bring in guest teachers who are experts in their field and live locally to present to the BUGS Students what they know and teach it to them. I have had an African dance teacher, drum instructor, and tap instructors. This time around the students are learning about Capoeira. I had a great opportunity to bring another Morehouse Man and guest teacher, Jason Harris, to teach this art form that originates from Brazil.

Jason is holding a Berimbau (musical bow) which by changing the tension of the string effects the tone and sound that the berimbau makes. Along with the berimbau, he used an Agogo (double bell). It was in a woven capsule that had bells inside. As he strummed the berimbau, he would shake the agogo. The students were mesmerized. How could he play two instruments at once? They wanted to try to do the same. A few were successful but they tried and were interested in something new and that was more important than playing like Jason who has been studying and learning for years.

After the introduction of the instruments, he began with the Ginga (a two step movement that goes from side to side). This movement was the first step that they learned. He asked the students to do what they thought was the two step. All of them did what they had learned from videos. How wrong they were! This two step was very different from what they were used to seeing.

The students were taught how to execute a Meia Lua (half-moon kick). As the Meia Lua was executed, the partner fell to the ground in a motion called Negativa. Negativa is a movement where one falls toward the ground and stopping their momentum with their hands on the ground.

Bria going into her negativa.

A great deal of thanks to Jason Harris for his expertise!

Let's Congratulate....

2009-10-28T13:01:00.001-04:00

A round of applause for former BUGS Student, Willis Brandon, Jr. He attended the Maryland Council for Dance Festival during the weekend of October 23 - 25 at South River High School in Edgewater, MD. He participated in a scholarship audition, took classes in modern, ballet, Afro-Cuban, and tap. There were performances on Saturday night and Sunday afternoon. He performed in the Sunday performance with his fellow dancers from the Morton Street Dance Center. After the Sunday performance, scholarships were given out to many of the participants. He, along with Teresa Hinton (pictured below), was awarded a scholarship to the White Marsh Ballet Academy for their summer intensive while she received a scholarship to Rage Box Dance Center. As the excitement dwindled on the ride home, he was excited and exhausted. BUGS Students are excelling in many different areas! Congrats to Willis Brandon!!!

So Much Has Been Happening...

2009-10-28T12:42:00.000-04:00

On Sunday, Oct. 18th, a group of BUGS Students had a great opportunity to see the Shaolin Warriors at the Meyerhoff Symphony Hall. WHAT AN INCREDIBLE EXPERIENCE!!! These Chinese Monks are trained in a special martial art that has been around for hundreds of years. Many of the performers have been training and performing in this artform since they were very young.

There were two young boys who had to be the same age as some of our students performing incredible and eye-popping feats.

They jumped over one another, twisted their bodies into different unimaginable shapes, and turned on poles. It was an amazement to see. They used all kinds of props. They broke slabs of concrete on their bodies with big iron mallets, used their hands to break wood, and even their heads to break metal.

The students were so excited they couldn't believe what they were seeing. Sitting on the edge of their seats, literally, not wanting to miss what was happening. It was just a great experience to have and see!!

BUGS in Art in America

2009-10-26T12:27:00.000-04:00

BUGS was mentioned in an Art in America article in reference to our partnership with Participation Park, an urban garden located near Johnston Square Elementary. Very exciting! Click on the image to read.