Engaging Students Through Art

In the Newhall School District, visual and performing art is part of our core curriculum. Art is more than just a fun activity for the day. It is a way for students to discover the world around them while deepening their knowledge of academic standards across all curricular areas. When our students hold a paintbrush or learn a dance, their brains are being stimulated and challenged in ways that only art integration can inspire.
For the past 40 years, the Newhall School District has made the arts a priority by continually investing in music and art education programs with credentialed teaching staff. Our students begin their initial exploration of the world of music in TK through 3rd grade. In 4th through 6th grades, students take their learning to a new level through choir with our two credentialed general music teachers. They also have the opportunity to experience music firsthand through instrumental music with one of three credentialed music teachers. For students who show giftedness and interest, Honors Orchestra is offered, which can help prepare them for a continued pursuit of music. Honors Orchestra culminates in winter and spring concerts where family and friends get to attend. The Newhall School District ensures all students have access to these music programs by offering instruments.
To ensure our art curriculum does not become stagnant or outdated, we continually develop our program with parent and teacher feedback in mind. In 2015-16, we added a second visual arts teacher to our art program, based on teacher and parent suggestions. Our two art teachers now travel to each of our schools to guide 3rd through 6th grade students on their journey to discovering art mediums, techniques and styles. Students from all 10 schools have the opportunity at the end of the year to showcase their work in the district-wide art show.
Beginning in 2017-18, the Newhall School District launched a concerted effort to add performing arts through hip-hop dance residencies for all 6th grade students. Theatre residencies were also launched in 2018-19 for our 5th grade students, connected to the Next Generation Science Standards. This year, for the 2019-20 academic year, we have expanded folk dance into 4th grade classrooms connected to social studies standards.
Exposure to and participation in the multiple arts disciplines strengthens a child’s academic growth and development as an individual and prepares the child to feel a part of and make a positive contribution to the community. Each of the ten schools within the Newhall School District offer children high-quality art education. This is one of the many ways we engage students and one of the many reasons kids thrive in the Newhall School District. Visit www.newhallschooldistrict.com to find out more about our amazing district.