In past years The Calais Foundation has supported an Artist-in-Residence program for students during The Calais School’s summer Extended School Year (ESY) program. Mr. Kevin Brooks, a prolific and achieved artist was at the helm of the program. His style of teaching encourages kindness, patience and self-discovery. The program was received with praise and enjoyment by faculty and students alike, even producing a mural that is still proudly displayed in the main floor of the school building. This year, The Calais Foundation has made it possible for The Calais School to extend the Artist-in-Residence program through out the regular 2018-2019 school year. Mr. Brooks again is at the helm of the program and has been creating artistic waves in the halls of Calais.

Mr. Brooks believes that all inspiration is born within the heart of the thinker. He says he is inspired by the words of the Dalai Lama, “when educating the minds of our youth, we must not forget to educate their hearts.” Here we’ve asked him to reflect on what is it like to be an Artist-in-Residence at The Calais School.

“So much more is expected, as the bar…needs, continually, to be raised, higher. Having been invited to serve at various schools, the onus to inspire, through belief in self, is a primary purpose. It is a significant, responsibility, to teach in this capacity, sharing the vision of new ideas…to make positive, lasting change, and to elevate as many as possible, into their own vision of success.

To reach excellence, is to try and surpass it. When the goal is set high, one will always find, what you are capable of producing. I was reminded of this, by associate and friend, Colin Powell, (ret.) Secretary of State, Joint Chiefs of Staff, and Four Star General, as we stood in front of his mural, The Colin Powell Timeline. Painted in his honor, at the Colin Powell Elementary School, Union City, I had the wonderful, good fortune to spend the day with him and his wife, Alma Powell. Together, they co-founded America’s Promise–the Alliance for Youth, “to challenge the nation to make our children a national priority.” Mrs. Powell’s, one, of two, published children’s books, America’s Promise, exemplifies this philosophy. Being in their distinguished presence, and asking relative, significant questions, has led to being a better educator and public servant.”

Artist-in-Residence collaborations have inspired two inventions by Mr. Brooks, sanctioned and funded by the Union City BOE and the Perth Amboy BOE. Each patent-pending invention is a 3D Interactive Educational Learning System. The first, is a 3D Map of the State of New Jersey, to celebrate our 350 Year Anniversary. Installed, in the Colin Powell Elementary School of Union City, students place 3D, laminated, small, pictures of famous people and places, from “The Board of Facts” onto the proper section of the large map. It involves simple directions with extra credit questions. Facts are on the back of each piece.

The 2nd invention is the Project 3D Interactive Algebraic Wall. Installed in The Academy of Urban Leadership Charter School, Perth Amboy. This learning system is designed for 9th grade or advanced algebra students. Students must simplify three separate levels of algebraic expressions, from simple to complex. They place scrambled variables and exponents from one panel, then, solve and simplify, on the next panel. Laminated directions are included on the wall.

Mr. Brooks thinks of this calling, not as a job, but rather a way of life. “Teaching as Artist-in-Residence at The Calais School is a distinct honor as is joining a team of so many respected special needs educators. Collaboration is the key to the door of learning. All it takes is desire and motivation.” -Mr. Brooks, Artist-in-Residence, The Calais School