Picture: Seated left to right: Claire Danes, Richard Linklater, Zac Efron. Standing left to right: Christian McKay, Robert Kaplow. The photo was taken in England during the filming of the movie.

SEA Member Robert Kaplow of the high school English department had a star-studded fall. Kaplow is the author of the novel entitled "Me and Orson Welles," that was recently made into a feature film starring High School Musical star Zac Efron, award-winning actress Claire Danes, and newcomer Christian McKay. The film premiered at the Toronto Film Festival and then made its American debut at the Woodstock Film Festival, where director Richard Linklater was presented with the Maverick of the Year Award. SEA members Lili Arkin, Karen Putnam, and Carol Rogers-Shaw were in attendance at Woodstock. In December the film was released into wide distribution in both England and the U.S to overwhelmingly positive reviews. Film critic Roger Ebert called it: “One of the best films about the theater I have ever seen.” David Denby of The New Yorker named it one of his ten best films of the year. In addition, Christian McKay (Orson Welles) has been nominated for Best Supporting Actor for the British Film Academy and Television Awards.

Kaplow Diary on Film Experience:
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/film/starsandstories/6710129/Me-and-Orson-Welles-Robert-Kaplows-notes-from-production.html

YouTube Clip:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zBdHtwop-gQ&feature=player_embedded#

Reviews:
http://www.persistenceofvision.org/2009/10/14/richard-on-orson/
http://www.observer.com/2009/culture/who-knew-zac-efron-could-act
http://www.newsweek.com/id/224350
http://www.guardian.co.uk/film/2009/dec/06/me-orson-welles-film-review
http://rogerebert.suntimes.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20091209/REVIEWS/912099997
http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/awards/2010/01/the-contender-qa-christian-mckay.html

Study Guides:
http://orsonwellesand.me/backstageaccess/files/MAOWDiscussionguide.pdf
http://www.filmeducation.org/meandorsonwelles/film.html

SEA Members busy providing inspiration at Franklin

• Teachers wore Red for Women's Heart Health on February 5th. Bev Karl and nurse Kathy Latour organized this activity to raise awareness and funds. See photo.

• Teachers Bev Karl and Loreli Stochaj areworking together to raise funds for the burn center by recycling aluminum cans. A student recycling team, led by Bev Karl, collects the aluminum cans throughout the year. Loreli Stochaj then transports the cans to the drop off by the Fire Department.

• Teachers raised $200 for the Susan G. Komen Foundation in October 2009. They made a donation and wore pink as part of the “Passionately Pink for the Cure” program. This fundraiser was organized by Michelle Cruz and Loreli Stochaj. The SEA members provided some pink treats that day along with some breast health information.

• Jump Rope for Heart Health is part of program sponsored by the American Heart Association. Laura Burr, Franklin’s physical education teacher, is leading this effort to encourage physical fitness. Students get sponsors and then jump rope during PE class.