Elementary School Programs Funded - Visual and Performing Arts and P.E. Instruction
WCEF K-12 fully funds standards-based weekly instruction in visual art, vocal music and physical education for all K-5 students at Buena Vista, Indian Valley, Murwood, Parkmead and Walnut Heights Elementary Schools. All of the instructional specialists for these programs meet on a monthly basis to participate in professional development and to discuss assessment, standards and curriculum. The fact that these programs exist also allows teachers time to take part in grade-level collaboration, a vital component in a teacher's continuing education and a priority of the WCSD.
Just a couple of years ago, these programs were in jeopardy as state funding dried up. Fortunately, our parent and business community stepped forward to fund and save them. The WCSD places such value on the arts programs, they are included in the district strategic plan. WCEF K-12 is committed to including these programs as a major part of its funding goals.
Visual and Performing Arts Programs (Visual Art and Vocal Music)
Educators have long recognized the many benefits of an integrated arts education curriculum. To name a few; the arts inspire self-confidence, help to keep kids interested in school, help them develop critical skills for life and work, improve student performance in other subject areas, expose students to a range of cultures and points of view, and the arts can reach hard-to-reach students. Arts education also teaches children to simply appreciate a dance, a painting or a song.
All of the arts programs follow the "Guiding Principles of the Visual and Performing Arts Framework for the California Schools." A comprehensive education in the arts includes the following academic activities:
- Practice, and creation or performance of works in the arts.
- Reading about art and artists, music & musicians.
- Researching, writing, and communicating about the arts.
- Reflecting on the arts in thoughtful essay or journal writing about one's observations, feelings, and ideas about the arts.
- Participating in arts criticism on the basis of observation, knowledge, and criteria.
Visual Art Program
The visual art program is focused on the process of art, getting students comfortable with working through their projects, and viewing "mistakes" as learning opportunities.
Students learn about the proper use of materials, specific techniques, great artists and art history. The standards are very detailed and comprehensive for each grade level. For example, concepts include shape, depth, self-portrait, contrast, point-of-view. Students study artistic styles ranging from pointillism to still life and impression.
Vocal Music Program
While teaching vocabulary, singing and music appreciation, the overall goal is to develop a life-long love of music. There are clearly defined learning standards for each grade. For example, first graders are taught to read, write and identify simple musical patterns. Third graders learn to sing songs of diverse cultures from memory. Fifth graders use classroom instruments to play melodies and accompaniments from a varied repertoire of music.
Each year, a district-wide celebration of our arts program, called the Circle of Excellence is held at Broadway Plaza. This is an exciting opportunity for many of our school's children to participate and for parents, friends and family to attend the performance. The performance showcases the songs and skills the students learn during their weekly music classes.
Physical Education Program
The P.E. program is based on state challenge standards and standardized state testing is administered in the fifth grade. The P.E. instructors are responsible for the implementation of dance standards and teach dance and movement. Classes also emphasize the importance of being active and staying active to maintain good health, physically and mentally, throughout students' lives. Many different physical activities are introduced so that students may exercise and experience a broad range of skills. Complexity and difficulty of games and skills increase sequentially as students grow from kindergarten through fifth grade. Personal achievement is appropriately encouraged and sportsmanship is stressed.
Walnut Creek Intermediate (WCI) Programs Funded
During 2005-06, WCEF K-12 funded the Visiting Artist Program, Campus Safety Supervisor and band and art supplies. For the 2006-07 school year, WCEF K-12 and WCI PTA announced an enhanced partnership modeled similar to the existing WCEF K-12 and Las Lomas partnership. This results in a shift of fundraising responsibility with WCI PTA eliminating their annual Squire Fund and asking parents to instead direct their donations to WCEF K-12. As a result, WCEF K-12 will take over funding of additional key academic and enrichment programs and student services at WCI. With your support, the new programs listed below will be funded for the 2006-07 school year.
2005-06 Programs Funded
Visiting Artist Program
Students in grades 6-8 at WCI experience an enriched social studies curriculum through the Visiting Artist Program. Arts instructors, including several from the Walnut Creek Civic Arts Education program, conducted special assemblies, field trips and classroom visits.
- Sixth graders learned and practiced the key concepts of drama in a series of Theater classes. They also made ceramic bowls using techniques from ancient cultures.
- Seventh graders observed, performed and discussed Noh Japanese theater, learned about visual arts in Meso-America, and employed a performance of African Drummers for Byzantine Bazaar Day.
- Eighth graders learned about the influence of landscape painting in the movement of the population from East to West, and the role of figure drawing in documenting the Civil War era.
Campus Safety
WCEF K-12 provides funds for the services of a campus supervisor who to monitor student safety during school hours. Campus safety is identified as a high priority in the WCI strategic plan.
Band and Art Supplies
Based on identified needs, miscellaneous band and art supplies are provided.
For the 2006-2007 school year, with your support, the following will be added:
- Homework Improvement Program
- After School Programs
- Assemblies (Curriculum & Character Counts/Pride)
- WEB (Where Everyone Belongs) Program
- Health and Safety
- Half of One New Full Time Counselor
