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Fundraiser: Scuola creativa
About Scuola Creativa
Inspired by the Reggio Emilia approach to education, Scuola Creativa partners with children, families, and the community to provide an inquiry-based education for young learners. Scuola Creativa upholds an image of the child as a powerful, competent, capable, and integral member of the community. We envision each family as unique, deserving of respect, and the center of the child’s life. Scuola Creativa has a vision for a just and civil society that values our shared humanity, fosters strong democratic communities, recognizes the uniqueness of each individual and appreciates diversity. We acknowledge children’s ability to reflect upon and contribute to their own learning through their many languages of expression and communication. Our vision is to base all decisions on the principles of Reggio Emilia, incorporating current research on learning as well as developmentally appropriate practice.
Reggio-Inspired
Scuola Creativa is inspired by the Reggio Emilia philosophy of education that originated in Northern Italy. The Reggio Emilia philosophy is an approach to teaching, learning and advocacy for children. In its most basic form, it is a way of observing what children know, are curious about and what challenges them. Teachers record these observations to reflect on developmentally appropriate ways to help children expand their academic and social potentials. Long-term projects connect core academic areas in and out of the classroom.
Through small groups, inquiry projects, and purposeful play, children build foundations for literacy, mathematical thinking, and social- emotional skills. Multiple languages for learning and expression are provided, including paint, clay, wire, light and shadow, sensory exploration, block play, dramatic play, music and dance, and physical activity.
Fundraiser
For years, friends and families have been clamoring for our signature tie-dyed t's, facilitated by Zora of Dyez by Z. We now have a signature collection just for the big people in our lives with our new water tower logo featuring our current location. Each shirt is hand-dyed by Scuola children and staff.
Dyez by z + sustainability ♻️
What is fast fashion?
Merriam Webster defines fast fashion as “An approach to the design, creation, and marketing of clothing fashions that emphasizes making fashion trends quickly and cheaply available to consumers.” This means that consumers can keep up with the latest trends without spending a lot of money. Unfortunately, fast fashion has very negative effects on the planet, such as using fossil fuels, emitting greenhouse gases, over consuming and then polluting water, and creating tons of new material for landfills (Get Green Now). According to Forbes, the apparel industry is the second largest polluter in the world. The oil industry is the first (Forbes). In addition to the environmental effects, fast fashion often uses underpaid, unprotected, and even forced labor. Not only do underpaid workers, sometimes children, work for “14 to 16 hours a day, 7 days a week on average” (Stop Modern Day Slavery) during the height of the fashion season, they work in very dangerous conditions, such as those leading to the 2013 Rana Plaza garment factory collapse in Bangladesh (BBC).
Sustainability at Dyez by Z
Unlike fast fashion, our brand uses no forced labor. Our Dyez are done on sustainably obtained garments. We source our garments from secondhand stores, and if we buy blanks, we research the company to see their steps towards sustainability and fairness. We currently use Tri-Blend blanks from Allmade, a sustainable company that uses recycled plastic bottles to make their fabric, and creates "dignified fair wage jobs that empower the proud people of Haiti to take care of themselves and their families." Click here to check out their website for more information.
About Dyez by Z
Dyez by Z is a Michigan-based, woman-of-color owned, small business that specializes in all different techniques and kinds of tie dyes. We are committed to sustainability and fighting fast fashion. Choose one of our individually crafted one of a kind tees, or work with us to create your own custom design.
Pictured: Dyez artist + owner, Zora
Questions? Contact me here