THE BALLOON MAN

Students learn life skills through circus
By Amy Johnson
from:seacoastonline.com
February 21, 2013
KENNEBUNKPORT — Students at Kennebunkport Consolidated School had a new type of teacher last week — a bona fide circus coach from Circus Smirkus, the international youth circus from Vermont.

Netti Lane, a veteran circus performer, conducted classes that taught a variety of circus arts and life skills through the Circus Smirkus residency program.

Lane met with each class two to three times during the week.

Rick Davis, residency coordinator for Circus Smirkus, said the residency program "is designed to give students the learning tools they need to reach their goals."

In addition to teaching circus tricks such as spinning plates and juggling, Lane taught the students "Circus Secrets" to help them reach goals, including "try, try again," "try a new way," "watch," "step-by-step," "go slow," and "read."

"These are the tools that students can use, not only to learn circus arts, but to achieve any goal they set," Davis said.

The entire school community — students, teachers, parents — joined in the circus activities.

Physical Education teacher Jon Woodcock said it "was great to see how proud all of the students were of their accomplishments in the final performance. It truly proved to be an outstanding demonstration of hard work and the kids all working together."

All students, from grades kindergarten to fifth grade, participated.

The week culminated with an all-school circus performance attended by staff, students, parents and the public.

The Circus Smirkus Artist-in Residence enrichment program was sponsored by the Kennebunkport Consolidated Parent Teacher Association.

The school's PTA also has hosted Circus Smirkus for the past eight summers. Circus Smirkus will be returning to Kennebunkport this summer for four shows between July 30 and 31.