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Derby showcases K–12 art and STEAM work; high school student wins Scholastics Silver Key
Summary
The board heard a Youth Art Month presentation highlighting K–12 art projects, the STEAM initiative in elementary schools, and scholarship and award recognitions for high school students.
Natalie Brown, Derby Public Schools’ high‑school art department chair, and student presenter Grace Summers described youth art month activities and the district’s STEAM work at the board meeting on March 20, 2025. Brown said district elementary STEAM teachers are integrating art with project‑based science, technology and math instruction and that the program was designed to preserve art‑curriculum standards while adding hands‑on STEAM projects.
Brown highlighted district student work from elementary through high school and cited district and student recognitions: Grace Summers is a Scholastics Art Silver Key portfolio winner for the South Central Region, other students received Scholastics awards and several high‑school students earned placements at regional art events. Brown invited board members to a K‑12 building open house on Wednesday, May 7 (5–7 p.m.) and noted a Derby Library exhibit and April 17 reception for high‑school work.
Grace Summers, a graduating senior, described how art has supported her development and argued for the value of art instruction as a core part of education. Board members asked whether STEAM compromises art standards; presenters said curriculum mapping preserves art standards while using an additional weekly session for STEAM‑focused, project‑based learning.
