Art teacher Melissa Kirk and the children of Fisher Elementary School are the beneficiaries of a generous $3,000 Central Valley Central School Foundation grant that enable the school to buy a new kiln.
Late in April, Foundation Board Member Vincent Iocovozzi and Board of Education Liaison Maggie Wesolowski dropped into the class to check out the kiln. Kim Vitale's PreK students were busy molding clay that would later be fired. The students softened the clay with their hands, formed a ball, flattened the ball into a pancake, added texture to the clay, and finally cut it into a shape. Once their clay creations are fired, the children will paint them as part of a very special surprise.
A kiln is essential when working with clay. Once the clay is shaped, it must be fired (exposed to temperatures over 1,500 degrees). At lower temperatures, water evaporates. As the temperatures climb, the clay molecules change, transforming the clay into ceramic.
Many thanks to those who support the Foundation's fundraisers. Proceeds help purchase items, like the kiln, that are not included in the regular school budget.
