CSF Impact

Art in Motion students built community and explored themes of social justice through an in-depth study of Motown’s “The Wiz”. Their culminating event was “Wiz in Motion: There’s No Place Like AIM” Arts Festival, taking place in June 2021. This was also the first time students met with each other during the school year. Students were able to dive into dance, singing and acting while exploring the influence of the Wiz on Black communities. With the help of the Creative Schools Fund grant, students were guided with clear objectives of how to create an end of year showcase or performance that has multiple entry points and options for final products for students, due to the remote element during a pandemic.

Worked with Changing Worlds. Students culminating performance was a virtual,  theatrical reading of poems. The poems were created collaboratively, and each accompanied by original artwork from the students – many were their own interpretations of well-known artworks. The collaborative arts partnership with Changing Worlds provided quality arts education, built upon STEAM concepts, and modeled collaborative teaching methods. This partnership was critical in modeling how art shows up in STEAM education. Students used critical inquiry and analysis, and investigated multiple strategies to develop, improve or revise original ideas. 2020-21 was Amelia Earhart Elementary’s first year operating as a STEAM school. With the help of a Creative Schools Fund grant, all K-8th grade students served were able to experience an interdisciplinary arts class.

School partnered with Lead Guitar and students received intimate, small group instruction. The school also had access to Lead Guitar’s online resources that helped with both enhancing students’ individual skills as well as those of the ensemble. Lead Guitar was able to provide that strong foundation to Soto’s guitar program –  students grew their skills in music theory, ear training and technique and had access to appropriate repertoire. Various students from Soto were able to participate in Lead Guitar’s Virtual Showcase, which took place on a national platform. Collaboration was helpful in helping school instructors evaluate teaching styles, and establishing consistency with assessments.