Arts Education is a critical component in the development of the whole child. Creating art engages the students’ minds and helps to develop all aspects of thinking. Our children will need the skills afforded through the arts to be leaders in the fast-paced 21st century. The arts provide skills that enable students to be creative and fully participate in a global society. Acceptance of all races, ethnic groups, and cultures is the foundation for living and working in the 21st century. Through the study of the Arts, children are exposed to a variety of cultures which fosters an understanding and appreciation for those cultures.

We seek to encourage children’s natural enthusiasm for the arts, promote literacy across content areas, address the physical, emotional, social, intellectual, and aesthetic development of children, provide an experiential approach to the learning process, and include processes of creating, performing, responding and connecting.

Technological changes in the past 20 years require a solid understanding of the impact these changes have on the environment and how we learn. Creation in the Arts has also transformed dramatically in the past generation and the use of technology has given greater access to more children to explore and create art.

Hawkins Street School is home to a rich and thriving visual and performing arts program. Students in grades K-4 engage in general visual and performing arts programming which promotes the exploration and creation of art through visual art, music, and dance. Students in grades 5-8 receive rigorous content-based instruction through an arts elective program in the discipline of their choice.

Residency and Community Partners:

• Disney Musicals in School Program
• AIENJ Indian Dance Residency Program
• Art Smart Vocal Music Program
• Previous recipient, Alvin Ailey Arts in Education 3-year residency program
• Previous recipient, various NJPAC music and dance residency programs
• Previous recipient, Kennedy Center/NJPAC Arts Integration Grant

Contact:

Ms. Caraballo, Visual Art Teacher, mcaraballo@newark.apppresser.com

Ms. Spadaro, Dance Teacher, aspadaro@newark.apppresser.com