Our kids were fortunate to attend our city's Arts Magnet school (Admission is determined by lottery.) Until two weeks ago, we still didn't know if the school would remain open next year. After three years of threatening to close all magnet schools due to funding cuts, our district finally informed us that Zach will be able to finish elementary school at the school he loves: Hanby. It's a happy ending to a long, stressful wait for our son and his classmates.
Above is just one example of the kind of meaningful arts curriculum our kids have enjoyed at Hanby. Instead of just telling kids to make a self-portrait, the third graders studied Picasso's work, drafted a self-portrait, and then "translated" it into a "Picasso-esque" work. The teacher then took the time to mount, label and display their work. As a result, my kid is only 9, yet
a. he already knows who Picasso is
b. he can tell you how Picasso changed art
c. he can explain Cubism
d. he has created original artwork in one of Picasso's signature styles
e. he had fun doing it
f. he's proud of his work
THAT, dear readers, is what a great teacher can accomplish with a piece of paper and some pastels. Thank you, Mrs. Perrone!
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