By Jeff Ursino, Pajaro Valley Unified School District Trustee
He surmised that only in the United States are students encouraged to get up and go outside of their comfort zone. He also stated that no matter how silly their “talent” may be the student body clapped. He felt that the willingness and the encouragement that a talent show offered and its focus on creativity was part of what has made the United States economically successful.
The stated vision of the plan is to incorporate arts into the educational process. The focus is on what is called the 4 C’s: Creativity, Collaboration, Critical thinking, and Communication. These skills are crucial if our students are going to be able to work in the jobs of the future.
For 2016-2017 academic year the District will be hiring additional Art teachers. This addition in teachers will allow our local schools to offer Art education not only to our lower elementary grades but also upper grades through after school programs.
Our local junior high and high schools will also start to benefit from music classes after school from Cabrillo College. In that way when bands are re-instituted locally we will have a student body that is already actively working with a musical instruments and thus has already developed a love of playing.
Finally, in the 2017-2018 school year the District will add more music teachers to our local junior high and will expand the after school program in the arts to reach more of our students.
By initially offering arts programs in the elementary grades students will be able to develop their skills sets and interests early and thus be ready and willing to play once they reach high school.
Studies have consistently shown that students who are involved in the Arts do better in other part of the educational process.
This program addresses these educational opportunities that the arts provide while at the same time giving students the chance to learn more about their individual creativity and enrich their lives long after their time in the school district is done.
The Arts encourage students to use a different part of their brain, go outside of what is comfortable for them, and be more fully rounded as individuals. It also encourages their creativity and their willingness to take on different challenges throughout their lives.
By focusing on the Arts at our local schools the Board is demonstrating their commitment to helping our children succeed not only in the classroom but throughout their lives. That is something we all can be proud of.
To contact Jeff Ursino email: Jeffrey_Ursino@pvusd.net