Meeting Students' Needs

Throughout history, the arts have been used to communicate and to convey emotions, experiences, and opinions. The arts define us as people and are basic to the human experience and to life. In an increasingly technological environment, the arts help students interpret an image in a symbol-laden world. The arts cultivate the whole child, developing imagination, reasoning, and dexterity. The arts offer a gateway to overall improved learning by teaching creative problem solving, providing for student expression, and instilling both discipline and wonder.

Instruction

At the elementary level (K-5) every student receives art and music instruction each week. Gifted and talented Focus students are identified in Grade 4 and receive an additional 45 minutes each week. In the middle school (6-8), students continue instruction in art to develop skills. Students in the Focus program participate in extended art activities. Students can enroll in Band, Chorus, or Strings courses in middle school for the entire year. In high school (9-12), art students are offered five sequential courses and Advanced Placement. Music students are offered a full program of Band, Chorus, Strings and Music Theory. In addition, high school students are encouraged to explore how the arts can be pursued after graduation at the collegiate levels and other career paths.

Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment

At the elementary level (K-5) every student receives art and music instruction each week. Gifted and talented Focus students are identified in Grade 4 and receive an additional 45 minutes each week. In the middle school (6-8), students continue instruction in art to develop skills. Students in the Focus program participate in extended art activities. Students can enroll in Band, Chorus, or Strings courses in middle school for the entire year. In high school (9-12), art students are offered five sequential courses and Advanced Placement. Music students are offered a full program of Band, Chorus, Strings and Music Theory. In addition, high school students are encouraged to explore how the arts can be pursued after graduation at the collegiate levels and other career paths.

Parent Involvement

Parents are the greatest advocates and boosters of the arts in our schools. Whether becoming a parent volunteer to assist the arts teachers or attending a “Night of the Arts” where parents become arts students, parents support our programs through hours of volunteer work and fundraising. Opportunities for involvement include the following:

• Join the music boosters
• Attend the Countywide Fine Arts Festival
• Volunteer as a field trip chaperone
• Attend your local “Night of the Arts”
• Have your children teach you an art lesson
• Take your children to museums, galleries, theatres, and concerts