Introduction to After-School Arts Programs
AUSTIN — Students at an Austin elementary school are beginning new after-school art programs this week with the help of a local nonprofit, including classes in graffiti, drumming and African dance.
The Partnership and Funding
Henry H. Nash Elementary School of Fine & Performing Arts in Austin, 4837 W. Erie St., is receiving the programs via the Chicago Arts Partnerships in Education, a Bridgeport-based nonprofit. The classes are funded by a $200,000 grant from the Illinois Criminal Justice Information Authority as part of a violence prevention strategy.
Goals and Objectives
“The students at Nash are very at-risk and face a lot of challenges, and by providing these additional after-school programs they’ll be more engaged in learning,” said Amy Rasmussen, executive director of the arts partnership. “They’ll have artists who will be working with them, get to know them, understand their needs, academic challenges and even the needs that are facing their families.”
Program Details
At least 80 Nash Elementary students will receive 27 weeks of after-school programs that will run throughout the school year. Professional artists will work with school teachers to develop a curriculum based around projects and arts integration, weaving academic and social-emotional learning with various art disciplines.
The Impact of Arts Integration
“It’s about the artists inspiring students’ creativity and helping them to develop a new language to express whatever they want to, whether it’s identity issues or neighborhood issues or academic content,” Rasmussen said.
Students participating in art programming by the Chicago Arts Partnerships in Education. Credit: Provided
Existing Programs and Challenges
The arts partnership already offers courses during the day at Nash Elementary through a separate grant.
Teacher and Artist Perspectives
“This work that we do is very important because a lot of students come from extreme poverty and they have a lot of issues at home and you can see it in their face … a lot of kids seem sad, tired and exhausted,” said Patti Okulinski, a Bronzeville-based visual artist and fashion designer who teaches silk screening and sewing. “The work that we do helps them find fun ways to learn and it boosts their confidence, especially the programs after school.”
Nash Elementary’s Experience
Nash art teacher Hailey Rodden said she is excited to teach graffiti as an after-school art course this year alongside a teaching artist from the partnership. Last year, most of the school’s after-school programs were cut by CPS. Schools on the West Side overall receive less art resources compared to North Side schools, Rodden previously told Block Club. Students at Nash Elementary previously received a full, hot meal before after-school programs but are now only served snacks because of budget cuts.
The Value of Arts Integration
“When we see that there are still schools that don’t have arts instruction in their regular school day, CAPE is a great way for them to have arts incorporated into their classes,” Rodden said. “Arts integration is all about expression and how you can build confidence through your learning, your art making … and we do see through that a lot of their skills and those social-emotional needs going up.”
Community Involvement
After-school classes will also be offered to parents at Nash Elementary that combine arts with community needs such as technology skills and career development to teach parents how to observe learning and development in their child’s work.
Conclusion
The expansion of after-school arts programs at West Side Elementary School is a significant step towards providing students with a more holistic education. By incorporating arts into the curriculum, students can develop new skills, build confidence, and express themselves in a healthy and constructive manner. The partnership between the school and the local nonprofit is a testament to the power of community collaboration and the importance of investing in the education and well-being of future generations.
FAQs
Q: What is the purpose of the after-school arts programs at West Side Elementary School?
A: The purpose of the after-school arts programs is to provide students with a more holistic education, incorporating arts into the curriculum to develop new skills, build confidence, and promote self-expression.
Q: Who is funding the after-school arts programs?
A: The after-school arts programs are funded by a $200,000 grant from the Illinois Criminal Justice Information Authority as part of a violence prevention strategy.
Q: How many students will participate in the after-school arts programs?
A: At least 80 students will participate in the after-school arts programs, which will run for 27 weeks throughout the school year.
Q: What types of art classes will be offered?
A: The after-school arts programs will include classes in graffiti, drumming, African dance, and other art disciplines.
Q: Will the programs be available to parents as well?
A: Yes, after-school classes will also be offered to parents at Nash Elementary, combining arts with community needs such as technology skills and career development.
