Research has overwhelmingly shown time and again that when students participate in the arts they perform better in nearly all other areas of school — including Reading, Math and Language — all while reducing the number of students who drop out of high school, and increasing daily student attendance.
Perhaps the most compelling reason to expand the arts, however, is that our students and families want these opportunities in our schools.
After listening to and learning from our students and their families last December, our team has been busy developing the programming that they asked for, with a slew of new programs coming to our schools this fall. Exactly what will this look like?
ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS | Grades K-5 | Beginning this fall our youngest learners will benefit from a rotation of 5 itinerant classes, to include:
MUSIC | Students will be engaged in choir, instruments and theater experiences. Instruments will emphasize: Percussion Grades K-2; Recorders Grade 3; Ukuleles Grade 4; Piano/Keyboard Grade 5
ART | At the request of our students, students will be engaged in more painting and ceramics during art class
DANCE | Students will have a comprehensive dance experience that builds year-over-year, emphasizing ballroom, hip-hop, tap and dances of the world
PROJECT LEAD THE WAY | Our students will engage in hands-on activities in computer science, engineering and biomedical science, helping them to become creative, collaborate problem solvers ready to take on any challenge
PHYSICAL EDUCATION | Gym classes will continue to be offered
MIDDLE SCHOOLS | Grades 6-8 | Beginning this fall all middle schoolers will be able to take 2 music, art and dance classes, with the following updates:
MUSIC | All students will be exposed to band and choir, with theater integrated into their lessons
ART | At the request of our students, students will be engaged in more painting and ceramics during art class
DANCE | Students will have a comprehensive dance experience that builds year-over-year, emphasizing ballroom, hip-hop, tap and dances of the world
All students will also have the opportunity to take exploratory courses in SPANISH, HEALTH, PROJECT LEAD THE WAY and FUTURE BUSINESS LEADERS OF AMERICA
HIGH SCHOOL | Grade 9-12 | In addition to current course offerings, students will have access to additional arts pathways, such as:
DIGITAL ART | Preparing students for careers in graphic design, communications and similar pathways
DIGITAL AUDIO PRODUCTION | Students will gain experience using recording technology to produce music and audio used on websites, television shows, movies and videogames
DANCE | Students will have a comprehensive dance experience that builds year-over-year, emphasizing ballroom, hip-hop, tap and dances of the world
As you can imagine, we’re pretty excited about all of the new opportunities we’ll have your students when they return in the fall — we hope your kids are too.