The West Aurora USD 129 Board of Education opened its June 16 meeting by recognizing the Shingote Center at Aurora University for a district arts partnership that provided museum field experiences for West Aurora students.

Cheryl Hellyer, the district’s K–5 fine arts, physical education and health department administrator, described the partnership and said, “This partnership brought over a thousand West Aurora students, staff, and parents through the exhibit during 17 scheduled sessions and truly fostered joy, curiosity, and challenge for our students.” She credited Shingote Center staff Natasha Didos Ritsma (director and museum studies instructor), Zachary Bishop (registrar and museum manager) and Trey Ambrose (Shingote Center fellow) for facilitating the interactive sessions. The board acknowledged the museum’s role in connecting object-based learning to the district’s art curriculum.

Hellyer said the spring 2025 field experience allowed third graders to explore the Tema and Aurora exhibit by Chicago-based artist Tim Lowley and that the partnership included students from Hopewell; the artist attended and led at least one session. The record states the partnership will continue into the next school year with a new exhibit planned that will feature Mexican printmaking techniques and related cultural content.

The board and staff noted the partnership’s alignment with the district’s educational mission and praised the museum for providing interdisciplinary, community-facing programs. A brief photo opportunity followed the recognition; no formal action or budgetary commitments were announced at the meeting.