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CD shows �what�s right with kids� Mail Tribune / Drew Fleming Third- and fourth-graders at Eagle Point�s Glenn D. Hale School recorded "The Hope is in Our Hands,�� a CD they are selling to raise money for the school�s arts programs. The students spent about two months getting their thoughts about themselves and their future written and recorded. Third- and fourth-graders write, perform songs By VICKI GUARINO EAGLE POINT � A punch-and-cookies reception welcomed the release Monday of a three-song CD by more than 40 young singer-songwriters. The group of Glenn D. Hale School third- and fourth-graders wrote the CD�s title song, "The Hope is in Our Hands,�� as an inspirational gift to the community and their school. They spent about two months setting their thoughts about themselves and their future to music. "We don�t judge people by how they look on the outside," the title song begins. The idea, according to teacher Lori Evans, is to show adults "what�s right with kids these days ... not what�s wrong.�� She told a small crowd of students, parents and school staff and invited guest Eagle Point Mayor Dale McFall, "Their words speak volumes.�� Students talked about their effort before performing with their CD. "Please pay attention when we speak the words, because the message speaks of hope," said second-grader Mi�Kayla Dustin, one of the soloists on "The Hope is in Our Hands." "When grownups listen to the CD, they�ll know they can trust kids,�� said third-grader Angel Mann. Several students thanked the professionals who helped make the project possible, including musician and songwriter Brett Claytor and Richard Davis of the Applegate River lodge. Davis let students use his recording studio at the lodge. Recalling hours spent recording and re-recording, second-grader Wylie Brown noted the patience the effort took. "I�m proud inside," he said of the accomplishment. The project was part of a federally funded Art Quest Program, organized by Evans and co-teacher Carol Heisel. Every year the combined second-third grade class takes on an art project to benefit the school and the community. Last year the class wrote and published a Rogue Valley travel guide. They were treated to a gala book signing at Barnes and Noble. This year�s project developed by chance, when Evan participated in a teachers� retreat at the lodge. She was taken by Claytor�s piano skills. One conversation led to another, and by the time Evans left the recording project had been arranged. In addition to writing their own song, students recorded two other songs written by professional writers: "We�re Going to be All Right" and "One Candle." The CDs are on sale at the school this week for $5, and after that by calling the district office, 830-1200. Proceeds will go to funding arts projects for the entire school. "It�s our gift to the whole school," Evans said. Obituaries | Sports | Business | Classifieds | Tempo | Prime Times | So Oregon Sites | Outdoor Journal | Subscribe | Contact | Movies | Advertise | Real Estate Showcase | Archive | Editorials | Letters to the editor | Religion | Wake-up Call | NIE | Cyber Chef | Job Network | So Oregon Weather | WSJ Northwest | Forums | AP Wire | AP Money | F.A.Q. | Awards Ottaway Newspapers, Inc. The Community Newspaper Subsidiary of Dow Jones & Co, Inc Copyright �The Mail Tribune 2000, Medford, Oregon USA