OAA Math Skills + Sewing Skills = Quilts and Blankets

We sewed our vision

Approximately 40 students grades K-8th grade from the Collinwood CMSD Community schools and churches participated in a 2-week Project-Based learning activity from June 16th through June 27th, held at Greater Bethel A.M.E. Church at 14735 Thames Avenue pastored by Rev. Cecelia Williams. Rev. Bev Potter was the facilitator for this project, which involved grant-writing, student recruitment and a math/sewing curriculum.  Students were provided Math Measurement, Data and Geometry instruction based on Ohio State Standards students by certified math teachers each day. Math peer-tutors from Collinwood High School assisted in the learning process.  Students then transferred their knowledge into application by measuring quilt pieces, measuring seams and creating geometric designs.  Many quilters and seamstresses from the community and community churches and neighbors joined in and shared their talents and donated fabric and sewing materials.  Parents and grandparents and church parishioners joined in daily to teach sewing skills, cook and encourage. Even students home from college assisted in making this a wonderful experience.  There were 63 quilts and blankets that were created and donated to the Providence House on West 32nd Street, which is crisis nursery center for infants and children.  We are indeed grateful to Neighborhood Connections and The Arts council for providing the funding for this project which provided sewing machines and learning materials.  Additionally we express sincere thanks to Northeast Shores Community Center and Margaret Craig for their support and to Councilmen Michael Polensek for his encouragement and support.