The faculty at Flathead High are turning into basket-cases, but don’t be surprised — it was bound to happen. Nineteen members of the faculty recently participated in a course in basket weaving taught by art teacher Sue Supola and guidance counselor Callie Langohr. “I thought we’d be lucky to get five people,” said Supola. “We got nineteen.” According to Supola, interest in basket weaving was sparked by the this year’s fiber arts class. After seeing the display of baskets made by students in the class, faculty members approached her about trying their hand at creating baskets. The larger class size added a whole new dimension to the class and reminded teachers what it was like to be on the recieving side of a lesson. “The class was so large, that sometimes it was difficult to get individual attention, said math teacher Mary Ann Lidstrom. “There were a lot of beginners there and I felt that I could relate some of my difficulties to what students in a classroom may feel.” The group, which Secretary Leslie Clayborn dubbed “W. O. W.” (Weavers of the World), brought together members of the faculty who wouldn’t normally make connections. “The school is so big that the faculty can really get separated into departments,” said Supola. “The class included members from all the departments of the school — math, science, foreign language, the administration, etc…” The group displayed the fruits of their labor at Montana Coffee Traders from Feb. 1 to Feb. 13, but for them, the most important thing seems to be the fun they had in the process. Said Clayborn: “Now, I know what I want to do when I grow up — be a Basket-weaver.” “It provided a very creative end to my evening,” said science teacher Kathy Ackerly. “I loved it and I’m going to make more.” “I enjoyed myself,” said Lidstrom. “But not quite as much as a good math problem.” Principal Gary Martin found a something very useful to do with his basket. “I filled mine with goodies and gave it to my wife for Valentine’s Day,” said Martin. “She was very impressed by the results — that’s because I had great teachers.” |
