Woburn teachers, students highlight expanded elementary arts program at school committee meeting

WOBURN — Elementary art teachers and students told the Woburn School Committee on May 20 that the district’s elementary art program has expanded to weekly classes across all seven elementary schools and has produced large student exhibits such as Tanner Fest.

At the meeting, Fine and Performing Arts coordinator Sue Tifo introduced four newly hired elementary art teachers who described more consistent curriculum, increased access to materials and larger student exhibitions. "Now, we have art class every week, and we participate in the art shows and especially Tanner Fest," Tifo said.

Teachers said the change from having one art teacher for multiple schools to a four-teacher team this year has allowed the district to provide similar lessons across schools so students receive the same art experiences when they move between buildings. "From the moment they were all together, all 4 of them, it was harmony," Tifo said.

Several students described the program’s effects. "Art helps me express myself in different ways," fifth grader Lily Hayes said. Charlie Dubay, a fifth grader, told the committee that art activities build students’ confidence: "When we do art, we feel proud of what we make, and that helps build confidence." Keegan Horton, another fifth grader, described student participation at Tanner Fest and a schoolwide art project inspired by the film Inside Out.

Teachers described practical benefits of dedicated art rooms versus "art on a cart." Caroline Casey, an elementary art teacher, said shared or mobile instruction limits the materials and messier processes teachers can use. "A major benefit is just having a space where we can store all of the students' artwork without getting lost or damaged," she said. Teachers who have an art room said having sinks and storage enables use of paints, clay and other materials that are difficult to manage from a cart.

Committee members praised the teachers and students. Vice Chair Chisholm and other members thanked the teachers for their work and noted the administration and committee support that helped expand the program. Superintendent Crowley and committee members said Tanner Fest is a highlight of the year and evidence of the program’s growth.

The committee did not take any formal action on the presentation. Teachers left committee members with requests for continued support of arts facilities and space, and several members flagged interest in ensuring classroom space and scheduling allow consistent art instruction in all buildings.

The district identified the arts expansion as an administrative priority; committee members said they will continue to monitor staffing and facilities needs as hiring and redistricting continue.