FMS, the artwork you see here comes from our students at Heights Middle School. Their pieces will be featured alongside artwork from different countries at the Berlin Brandenburg Airport in Germany—a unique opportunity to showcase our students’ creativity.
This opportunity arose when Ms. Michaela Kurandt-Dos Santos, Head of the Biesalski School in Germany, invited Ms. Lorry Rodriguez to submit student artwork for an international student art collection. Ms. Kurandt-Dos Santos had visited her class earlier this school year.
The project then began after a special visit from Mr. Troy Wachinyanpi Rocke, who shared his passion for the Navajo, Lakota, and English languages with our middle schoolers. He spoke about his cultural heritage, demonstrated traditional dances like “The Grass Dance,” and explained the significance of his regalia. More importantly, he encouraged students to take pride in their own culture, language, and family history.
Ms. Rodriguez, along with Educational Assistant Ms. Sonya Scott, saw Mr. Rocke’s visit as the perfect inspiration for their students’ submissions. Borrowing paper, pencils, chalk, and watercolors, students brought his performance to life through art.
“We were really inspired by Mr. Rocke’s visit, and my students set out to capture his performance through their artwork. And I think their colorful and expressive drawings beautifully depict his movements and traditional attire. I’m so proud of my students and happy for this opportunity to showcase their artwork,” said Ms. Rodriguez.
“I was told that the Grass Dance can heal, inspire, and motivate people, young and old. It's a spark that is hard to explain, but we all feel it one way or another. It makes me and my family happy. They helped me by making my clothing and encouraged me to continue dancing. With dancing, I have helped inspire and encouraged the students to become artists and make these beautiful drawings. I am honored and blessed to have that kind of inspiration among the youth and especially your students. It makes my heart happy. I hope I can have many more opportunities to bring these kinds of blessings to our youth and students in the future,” said Mr. Rocke.
This cultural exchange is part of our ongoing collaboration with the Checkpoint Charlie Foundation, which strengthens educational connections between the U.S. and Germany. The foundation not only places German teachers in U.S. school districts but also sponsors American educators for a two-week STEP Educational Enrichment Program (EEP) in Germany. Last year, two of our own teachers, Ms. Amy Durphy (Tibbetts) and Mr. Nate Thompson (Rocinante), participated in this incredible experience, learning about Germany’s education system and rich history.
This project has been an enriching experience for everyone involved, and we are so proud of our students for sharing their art and culture with the world.
Ms. Rodriguez will be one of four FMS teachers traveling to Germany this June as part of the next EEP. She has been part of Farmington Municipal Schools for seven years, and we’re excited to see her continue this journey of learning and sharing.
Mr. Rocke, who is Sicangu Lakota, was born for the White Corn Zuni and Edge Water People. His maternal clan is Oglala Lakota, and his paternal clan is Deer Springs People. We are grateful for his time and knowledge, which has left a lasting impact on our students.