We are very excited that the Granite Board of Education has chosen to fund a fine-arts specialist for each elementary school one day per week next school year. This week, our “acting” Community Council met to discuss what this might look like at Neil Armstrong Academy. The Council is now seeking parent input regarding preference of the available services a fine-arts specialist can provide. The following is a short description of each option and the number of students it would impact:
- Music for Life – This option provides a general music experience for students (singing, reading musical notes, percussion, recorders, etc.). Using our large-group meeting area, this option could serve two classes at a time (up to 60 kids) providing a turn to every student every other week.
- Visual Arts – This option provides students an opportunity to engage in art activities such as ceramics, drawing, painting, sculpture, printmaking, design, crafts, etc. Because of the nature of supplies and management needed for such activities, this option could serve one class at a time (up to 30 kids) providing a turn to every student once a month.
- Dance – This option provides dance instruction for students. Using the gym, this option could serve two classes at a time (up to 60 kids) providing a turn to every student every other week. It should be noted this option targets an activity that has been and could continue to be filled by the PE specialist.
- Drama – This option provides students a theatre experience incorporating acting, music, and performance. Because of the ratio of passive vs. active engagement involved with play rehearsals, this option could serve one class at a time (up to 30 kids) providing a turn to every student once a month.
- Instrumental Music – This option provides musical instrument instruction for 5th and 6th grade students who can acquire an instrument. Because students cannot be required to acquire a musical instrument, this program has traditionally been done as an optional activity resulting in some 5th/6th graders participating while their classmates engage in an alternative activity in the classroom. This option could serve one grade of 5th and 6th graders at a time (up to 30 kids) providing an instrumental lesson once a week.
Please be aware, the visual-arts specialist being staffed will service four different schools and must, therefore, be hired based on skills to meet all possible plans rather than skills to meet one specific plan alone.
Considering the options above, please let the Community Council know your preference using the form below. Because of the timeline associated with staffing the fine-arts specialist, please provide your input by Wednesday, May 8th.
Thank you!
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