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Trumansburg art teachers highlight sketchbooks, student-run shows and AP digital portfolios
Summary
Elementary art teacher Sarah Ecker and high-school art staff described a K–12 art curriculum that emphasizes sketchbooks, project-based learning, community shows and digital AP portfolios; presenters said programs connect students across buildings and involve community partners.
Sarah Ecker, who identified herself during the March 3 meeting as the elementary art teacher, walked the board through the department’s K–12 approach, saying she teaches kindergarten through fourth grade — 357 students — for one 60-minute art period each week and that students complete daily sketchbook exercises to build skills and reflection.
“We take those favorite works, they frame it, they put their artist statement on the front, and then they hang it up in the hallway,” Ecker said, describing end-of-unit student displays and the curriculum’s focus on student ownership and reflection. She said classroom routines include a technique video, a study of an inspirational artist and a one-on-one reflection in which the teacher and student craft an artist statement.
High-school and middle-school staff described a pathway that includes studio, advanced studio, AP and ceramics; presenters explained that AP work is now submitted as a digital portfolio. The high-school presenter said three students were working on AP portfolios this year and praised the ability to retain student work digitally rather than shipping physical art for evaluation.
Presenters also highlighted extracurricular and community-facing events: the Glow Show (presenters referenced roughly 300 attendees), an annual student-run art show, contribution of student pieces to the Children’s Bureau Education Foundation Art Auction, collaborations with BOCES to print a student-created coloring book, and plans for new community events such as an art night at a local ice-cream shop.
Board members asked about art clubs and cross-department collaborations. Teachers said there is no standing elementary or middle-school art club currently but that the department offers after-school open studio times, gallery-style showcases and project-based collaborations with other departments. The presenters also noted active mentoring of student teachers and partnerships with regional arts organizations.
The board thanked the presenters and moved to the next agenda item.
