Loose Leaf Notes

-The following first appeared in the February 19, 2015 issue of The Floyd Press

High School students from Springhouse Community School recently participated in an “Experience Week” that included opportunities to learn and provide service in the community.

The week followed a Project Presentation Night that was open to the public and featured oral presentations and exhibits showcasing student building projects, research projects, public speaking skills, videography and more.  It began with a visit to the Rising Sun Community School at its new location on the grounds of the Jacksonville Center for the Arts.  During the visit, Springhouse students interacted with Rising Sun pre-school and elementary students, directing games and learning about the Montessori educational model.  Some SHCS students helped build balance beams for the RSCS playground.

Students enjoyed lunch at The Floyd Country Store, watched a film on flat-foot dancing and decorated their own valentine cookies.   During a visit to the Old Church Gallery, they learned about local history and culture from gallery director Catherine Pauley.  “People in the mountains used what was available,” Pauley said.  She showed the students the gallery’s collection of baskets, tools, bedding, clothing, rugs, furniture and other items made in the county.

Passing around a soapstone brick, Pauley spoke of the county’s soapstone mines.  “Soapstone has a history in the county all the way from prehistoric times,” she said, explaining that the stone has been used to fashion spring bowls and sundials, for making folk art and as a building material.  “Three buildings downtown are made from it,” she told the students, while also pointing out a contemporary sculpture that was carved from the stone and donated to the gallery.

Student interest was particularly piqued by Pauley’s demonstration of a hand crank antique wall phone, which she recalled had about seven people on one line, with each family having a code ring, such as two long rings and one short one.

Later in the week, Springhouse students and their advisors visited museums in Roanoke.  “Having a purposeful break in the day to day routine and in the middle of the winter gave many students fresh ideas for future projects.  Many of the students commented on how surprised they were to learn about elements of their own community that they didn’t know or hadn’t heard about before,” said Springhouse advisor Joe Klein.

Learn more about Springhouse Community School HERE. 

Learn more about the Old Church Gallery HERE. The Old Church Gallery is the oldest fine arts and crafts gallery in Floyd and features local historical and contemporary handmade works, as well as oral histories.