The creativity was flowing at Forest Lake Elementary School, where students celebrated International Dot Day by creating a mural. It was a partnership between art and STEAM classes.

Sparking the artistic endeavor was the Peter Reynolds book, “The Dot,” a story that encourages children and adults alike to make their mark. International Dot Day is now celebrated at schools around the world on or around Sept. 15, inspiring students to unleash their creativity by starting with a simple dot.

Kindergartners, first and second graders colored their dots in Laura Capozzi’s art classes, while students in grades 3-5 made their dots in STEAM classes with Alexa Del Piano. The paper dots were then turned into a hallway mural of a scene from “The Hungry Caterpillar,” a well-known children’s book.

Each grade level used a different color scheme for the vibrant mural. 

“We hope that this encourages students to use their creativity,” Ms. Del Piano said. “They can start off small and keep adding to it. That one dot can be a starting point for something much bigger.”