Some crafty lessons are well on their way into the classrooms of these two elementary schools.
Moncks Corner Elementary and Sangaree Elementary are both individually receiving ArtsNow Advancement grants worth $44,000 that will help bring some arts-integrated lessons into their schools.
ArtsNOW is a grant program provided by the South Carolina Arts Commission (or SCAC). It delivers customized professional learning and support through integrated learning methods. By emphasizing the arts in education, ArtsNOW provides an engaging learning environment that promotes teacher confidence and improves student engagement.
The ArtsNOW grant runs on a three-year cycle and supports identified ArtsNOW Partner Schools by providing resources for schools through arts integration and innovative best practices. It provides whole-school professional learning and demonstration lessons in arts integration, ongoing school support, curriculum mapping, and arts integration planning support.
These grants were achieved by the schools’ principals. Moncks Corner Elementary Principal Tara Baker said she looks forward to seeing these new lessons support student learning.
“Moncks corner Elementary is so excited to partner with ArtsNOW to provide our students with opportunities for academic growth through arts-integrated lessons,” she said. “These types of lessons help enhance student learning, encourage creativity and engagement, and provide students with additional tools to be successful in the classroom and beyond.”
Sangaree Elementary Principal Michael Huff said his schools is equally excited to see the impact the partnership has on the students and teachers.
“This grant is such an exciting opportunity for our teachers and staff at Sangaree Elementary,” he said. “Our teachers are already doing so many great things each day to engage students and create meaningful learning experiences, and this partnership gives us another tool to build on that work. We know how much students can benefit when the arts are intentionally woven into their learning, and we’re excited to find new and creative ways to bring those experiences into our classrooms.”
Regi Strickland, Senior Director for ArtsNOW, said the grant program will work with the schools to perform quarterly visits that will each last two days: one day will consist of professional learning with the teachers, and the other will involve having the schools’ students participate in demonstration lessons so staff can see the arts integration in action. One class per grade level will participate in the lessons for each visit.
ArtsNOW has experience working with other schools in Berkeley County School District; Marrington Middle School of the Arts is actively participating in a different model with ArtsNOW to enhance arts integration at the school. The program has also worked with Philip Simmons Elementary, H.E. Bonner Elementary and Howe Hall AIMS.
Strickland said ArtsNOW has enjoyed working with BCSD and is excited to continue its partnership within the schools.
“We’re building on the foundation already established by BCSD,” she said. “ArtsNOW is thrilled to continue its partnership with multiple schools in the county to help the teachers effectively integrate the arts to improve student engagement and achievement.”