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Big Spring art department showcases new K–12 curriculum; student work headed to Penn State Medical Center
Summary
Big Spring School District art teachers presented a coordinated K–12 visual‑arts curriculum and said 30 elementary pieces were selected for permanent display outside rooms at Penn State Medical Center/Hershey Medical Center for five years, a recognition the presenters described as a high honor for students and the program.
The Big Spring School District board heard a K–12 arts presentation March 2 in which district art teachers described a newly aligned curriculum and highlighted recent student achievements.
"This is our district's 4th year being recognized by PAEA as an outstanding visual arts community," said Mike McVinney, department chair and high‑school art teacher, who led the presentation and identified the curriculum's four core areas as create, respond, present and connect. McVinney said the district completed a multi‑year refresh of the K–12 scope and sequence last summer to improve vertical articulation and consistency across grades.
Presenters walked the board through nine thematic K–5 units (foundational studio skills, line, shape, color, texture and pattern, and others) and described how upper‑elementary and middle‑school lessons build toward more advanced portfolio work. Jordan Robinson, a high‑school teacher, noted opportunities for students to use a photography studio, pottery wheels and ceramic kilns as part of their coursework.
Teachers told the board that Penn State Medical Center and Hershey Medical Center selected 30 elementary student pieces from a larger pool; those works will be framed and displayed outside pediatric rooms for the next five years. "Achieving this kind of real‑world impact is the absolute highest form of success for an elementary art program," one presenter said.
Board members applauded the program and asked staff to share photos and a public‑relations post so the community could see the students' work. The district will post the calendar of upcoming arts events and the list of recognized students on its website.
