Letter from the Director of Education
It is the mission of Noorthoek Academy to provide a continuing education in the arts and sciences to students with learning challenges and other intellectual disabilities, with the purpose of expanding horizons, exciting curiosity, and encouraging self-expression.
Our Fall semester took us on an adventure to the Netherlands. Many Noorthoek students can trace their history back to the Netherlands. We studied the history of the country including the Protestant Reformation and how World War II impacted the country. Geography, the arts, and customs of the Dutch people were all topics that were explored. Students were particularly inspired by the beauty of the tulip and windmills.
Winter semester was colorful! Our topic was titled the Nature of Color. Students explored the science of color but attention was really focused on the emotional connection that humans have with color. We all have favorite colors that make us feel better when we wear them. Sometimes colors can invoke feelings of sadness or loneliness. The emotional impact of colors is one of the prominent themes that you will see in this poetry collection.
This year was marked by several incredibly big losses to our Noorthoek family. In October, we lost Katy Crouch who was the inspiration and purpose for which Noorthoek Academy was founded. Our Noorthoek family experienced another great and unexpected loss in March when our long time student, David Wolven, passed away. These losses are felt every day but we are grateful and inspired by their passion and commitment to life long learning. This poetry blog is dedicated to their memory and love of learning.
The poems you will read in this edition of the Elizabeth and Katherine Crouch Poetry Blog are reflections of what has been learned this year. The title A Painted Rainbow comes from a poem by the same name written by Emily S. This poem beautifully ties together both of our semesters. It paints an elegant image of how the beauty of nature can soothe the soul and ease the pain of loss. It is my great honor to introduce the poems from Noorthoek Academy students during the 24-25 academic year. I truly believe that if you listen closely to the words within that you will see inside the heart of each student and hear their voices. They have much to say. Please enjoy!
