Sant Bani School Projects at the Sanbornton Public Library 'Lessons Beyond the Classroom'

Published Date

SANBORNTON — Student projects will be on display at the Sanbornton Public Library through April 1. The projects are the result of independent work completed during Sant Bani School's two-week Projects Period.
Projects Period provides a time for students in Kindergarten through 12th grade to explore topics of interest to them, spend two weeks away from school immersed in an independent project, and then share their project with students and teachers when they return to school.
There are always a wide range of projects, from art to science to service, and everything in between. For example, sophomore Marshall Bordeau, Sanbornton, decided that his father's old snowmobile still had life in it. He shoveled it out from under a tarp in the backyard and proceeded to rebuild the engine. Two weeks, and many learning experiences later, he was able to drive the rig from his home to school, where it became part of his project presentation.
Freshman Joe Perez, Tilton, who is thinking about an engineering career, contacted Wilcox Industries in Newington. Wilcox creates support technology for law enforcement, such as night vision mounting systems. Joe was able to shadow an engineer and found out that a career in manufacturing technology doesn't have to take him out of his home state.
After taking a pottery class at Sant Bani, sixth grader Johnny Beaudet, Franklin, decided he wanted to do more with clay. He not only created over thirty pots, but with used parts and help from his grandfather, he made an innovative electric pottery wheel. He learned more advanced ceramics techniques from Sarah Burns of Sweet Fern Pottery, New Durham, and then received help with glazing and firing in the School's kiln from Robert Schongalla, Sant Bani science and ceramics teacher.
Fourth grader Cooper Bouchard, Northfield, has always been fascinated by machines and junk yards. He put that together with his artistic bent and learned welding to create an array of fanciful junk art sculptures.
Head of School Kent Bicknell says, "Even after 35 years of projects, I am still amazed by the variety and quality of our students' independent work. Projects Period and the two days of School-wide project sharing remain a very important part of our program."
Sanbornton librarian Cab Vinton is pleased that the library's upstairs is being used to showcase the work of Sanbornton students. In addition to housing the adult book collection this space has multiple town-wide uses, such as hosting book club meetings, yoga classes and public hearings.
To see some of the projects completed this year, stop by the Sanbornton Public Library through April 1. For more information about Sant Bani School, visit santbani.org.

Photo Caption:
Cooper Bouchard shares his project "Junk Art." (Courtesy photo)