A theater for learning

Sixth grader Alaina Eitmann portrayed Sacagawea, the Indian guide for the Lewis and Clark expedition, while her classmate, Zara Carter, was President Teddy Roosevelt at “A Day at the Nest Museum.” [ David Adlerstein | The Times ]

Franklin County third grader Aria Weatherspoon, front, and her classmate Krislynn Simmons dressed as people from the Stone Age in their portrayals at “A Day at the Nest Museum.” [ David Adlerstein | The Times ]

Franklin County fourth grader Fisher Lee portrayed French painter Vincent Van Gogh at “A Day at the Nest Museum.” [ David Adlerstein | The Times ]

Franklin County third grader Maleah Carroll portrays Anubis, the Egyptian god who protects the dead, as she kneels in front, while fifth grader Tailya McKenzie, standing at right is a Roman princess, and fourth grader Gavin Downing is Octavius, the founder of the Roman empire. [ David Adlerstein | The Times ]

Franklin County third grader Aubrey Shiver, dressed as the Mexican painter Magdalena Carmen Frida Kahlo y Calderón, stands in front of an example of some of the art created at The Nest, under the direction of art teacher Susana Lewis. [ David Adlerstein | The Times ]

Franklin County sixth grader Charles Creek portrayed a giant dinosaur at “A Day at the Nest Museum.” [ David Adlerstein | The Times ]

In recounting the story of the Lewis and Clark expedition, Franklin County sixth grader Andray Cooper was Capt. Meriwether Lewis, at right, and fourth grader Easton Chapin was 2nd Lt. William Clark. [ David Adlerstein | The Times ]

The Nest serves up a makeshift museum

The school day may end with the bus ride home, but the learning day continues through the evening.

The 120 Franklin County kids who take part in the after-school program at the Nest sites, in Eastpoint and Carrabelle, get to take advantage of this extended day, not only during the school year but during the summer as well.

A cast of characters, everyone from Sacajawea to Vincent Van Gogh, showed off some of what they’ve picked up from this learning enhancement program through a delightful example of artistic expression last week.

The two programs were called “A Day At The Nest Museum,” the brainchild of Dana Putnal, who coordinates the two sites under the guidance of program director Stephanie Howze.

Artwork, everything from strong art to pouring paint, was amply displayed throughout the site, with booths set up to showcase the characters, affording the young people, all in elaborate costumes, to tell about their personage’s contributions to world history.

There were displays of fossils, and scenes depicting the Old West, all in a spirit of fun learning.

Funded for several years by a federal 21st Century Community Learning Center grant, the Nest was the first of the county’s 21st century CLC-funded programs, going back close to two decades.

In recent years, under a series of iterations as to which entity would operate the program and where it would take place, the Nest has found what feels like a stable and permanent home at the Eastpoint UMC Church. In Carrabelle, the program meets at the office space where Lincare used to be.

Howze and Putnal are aided in their work by parent liaison Kam Marxsen, which judging by the large turnout, is having success. School board member Melonie Inzetta, a former director of The Nest, takes an active role in helping out Howze.

A staff of certified teachers and paraprofessionals at each site work closely with the children to make sure that the relaxed, creative opportunities at the Nest are bolstered by focused tutoring on math, science and reading, and loving character education, all to improve academic success.

The Nest has brought in a host of community supporters, from Centennial Bank to the “Salty Seahawks” cheerleading showcase to the Equal Shot program led by J.T. Escobar at the Matchbox.

“Staff are really invested in these kids,” said Howze. “They’re ours.”