What's Your PYP IQ?
There's a group in the Ridgefield Schools that go by the rather suspicious acronym of PYP. But, what is PYP?
There is a bit of confusion about who they are, what they do and what PYP stands for anyway. If you're an elementary or middle school parent, or know somebody who is, please take a few minutes to take this short quiz.
Each answer immediately follows its question. Why torture you with suspense?
1. PYP Stands For:
3. Who organizes PYP?
4. PYP has brought which artistic guests to Ridgefield in recent years?
5. How long has PYP been around?
- Practice Yields Perfection
- Perfect Your Posture
- Productions for Young People
- Pablo Y. Picasso
- Paypal (obviously!)
Correct Answer: #3. Productions for Young People.
Lots of people think it is Performances for Young People, but they're wrong. Picasso is a good guess, but his full name was actually Pablo Diego José Francisco de Paula Juan Nepomuceno Crispín Crispiniano María de los Remedios de la Santísima Trinidad Ruiz Picasso. No kidding. Look it up.
2. What does PYP do?
- PYP provides musical instruments to curious Ridgefield schoolchildren.
- PYP celebrates the life and art of Pablo Picasso.
- PYP brings cultural arts performances to Ridgefield Elementary and Middle Schools.
- PYP introduces children to the concept that good posture is a key element to life success.
- PYP asks for a donation at the start of the school year.
Correct Answers: #3 and 5.
Parent and PTA donations fund the arts performances that PYP brings to the schools. Tickets to see many of the performances outside of school would greatly exceed the suggested PYP donation amount. Not to mention the expense, travel time and gift shop souvenirs.
- The Ridgefield Arts Council
- SCOR
- Rudy and Peggy Marconi
- Deborah Ann
- PTA and parent volunteers representing Ridgefield Elementary and Middle Schools
Though sometimes we send the performers to Deborah Ann's for an ice cream after a show. And sometimes we partake ourselves.
- Rossianochka Russian Folk Dancers
- Blue Jupiter
- Ben Folds
- Poetry in Motion Hip Hop Troupe
- Mayhem Poets slam poets
- Pablo Picasso
Correct Answers: #1,2,4,5.
PYP hosts a selection of remarkable artists year after year. Sometimes children go home and mention them. More often not. We have our eye on Ben Folds next time he visits Caramoor. Picasso, alas, is booked indefinitely at the Meet the Masters program at VP.
- Since your child started elementary school
- Forever
- Since the turn of the century (2000)
- Since the mid-70s -- when State arts funding was reduced in schools and Ridgefield parents took it upon themselves to bring culture and entertainment to their children in the convenience of their own cafetoriums.
Correct Answer: #4. Take note: PYP may be older than you, but the need remains the same.
6. To participate in PYP as a parent volunteer or to recommend an act to bring to Ridgefield, you must:
- Audition
- Donate
- Complete extensive paperwork
- Have a Master of Fine Arts degree
- Send an email to ProductionsForYoungPeople@gmail.com
Correct Answer: #5.
Don't delay. Write today. PYP is a fun little group working together to bring great performances to our children. It's an easy commitment with parents from all schools and there are plenty of roles, so don't worry if you're not an arts guru. Or are.
Photo credit: Kristin Boylan, Scotland ES
Photo Caption: Blue Jupiter performing at Scotland Elementary School on May 24th. The world-renowned a cappella group was brought to Ridgefield Elementary and Middle schools by PYP. Whatever that is!
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