“Pick up trash, not for cash, do it with a great panache – will everybody do their part?” sang Linda Scalise during Sheffield Elementary School’s - Earth Starts at the Sky workshop. 

Thanks to funds from the school’s 21st Century Grant, Sheffield students, parents and their siblings were invited to participate in a four week workshop about RESPECT.   Facilitated by professional performance artists Jody and Linda Scalise the program incorporates mime, circus movement, theater, story telling and music.

The theme of RESPECT is a trademark of the Scalise’s work.  It includes respect for yourself, the community and the environment.  “The idea of respect is mutual, it goes in every direction.  It stretches into everything – bully prevention, teamwork as well as the environment,” said Jody. 

During the planning stages for this program, administrators decided that the workshop would not just be for students, but an opportunity extended to their families.  “We wanted to do this multi-generational event and I really love seeing children and parents interact creatively,” said Sheffield Principal Elizabeth Musgrave.  “The idea was to have something they could do together – so that they don’t have to drop the kids off and have to come back to get them,” added Jody Scalise.

Parent Mary Bocon, who could be seen juggling with her daughter Samantha on this evening, quipped “It’s been fun and challenging in a good way.  It gives me a chance to join her in something that she really wanted to do.” 

The four week workshop culminated in a performance for the Sheffield student body just prior to April vacation.