Flowers are in full bloom outside Donald P. Sutherland Elementary School – and they are not your average tulips or daffodils. They are large, wooden flowers that students painted using different colors and designs in art class.

The art project was led by DPS Art Teacher Dianne Chalavoutis and tied in with this year’s theme of “Let’s Grow Together.”

DPS students painting a wooden flower in art class.

“I loved the project,” said 4th grader Lana Wheeler. “I like how everyone had a hand in it yet each class’ flower was different.”

Mrs. Chalavoutis cut the flower designs out of wood with the help from her father and then each class painted its own flower. The flowers were unveiled at the last Character Education assembly and they are now on display in flower beds outside school.

“The students were excited to be working together, enjoyed the freedom to as a class make the flower how they wanted, and they were surprised with the results of seeing it complete,” said Mrs. Chalavoutis. “We revealed them at the final assembly and the students showed so much enthusiasm for their creations!”

Special thanks to Curtis Lumber and Nassau Ace Hardware for donating the wood, paint and polyurethane!