Elementary art teachers outline standards-based, choice-centered K'5 curriculum

At the start of the board meeting, district arts staff presented the K'5 elementary art curriculum and methods for classroom instruction. Diana (art supervisor) introduced the history and standards context, and art teachers Emily Judah and Shana Viscione described classroom practice and examples. Diana said arts education is formally recognized at the state and federal level and tied the curriculum to the adoption of national core art standards and the 2017 addition of media arts. "The arts drive student success in academics, workforce readiness, wellness, and equity," she said, adding that the K'5 curriculum is standards-based and connects to math and literacy. Teacher Shana Viscione read The Dot to the meeting and the presenters said the department uses choice-based projects, collaborative work and fine-motor skill development in kindergarten and early grades. The presenters described projects such as printmaking, quilling, weaving and architectural drawings, and noted a faculty show and student exhibition that displayed student work across the district. The arts team highlighted that one high-school student'Riley McInerney'won the district high-school art contest and that Riley'now at Syracuse University'will be represented at the upcoming school boards association conference. Presenters said many art teachers are active beyond the district: Emily has presented at a national conference and Shana at the New York State conference. Staff encouraged board members and families to attend arts events; they also noted the district's participation in National Arts and Education Week and International Dot Day. No formal action was taken on the presentation.