Arts Enrichment

Students enjoy programs representing a wide variety of the arts, including music, dance, painting, writing (creative writing, expository writing, and poetry—featuring many visiting authors), theater arts, storytelling, and more. The bulk of our programming consists of hands-on workshops that emphasize student participation and active learning. Below are some highlights from 2023-24!

KINDERGARTEN

Alyssa Capucilli - The award-winning author of the Biscuit series, shared her personal writing process including the inspiration for her stories. She discussed developing characters and settings with the children and helped them understand how using action words can make a story come to life.

1st GRADE

Jerry Pallotta -  Author best known for the “Who Would Win?” series visited the first grade for a presentation on his writing process and all elements of book publishing. 

2nd GRADE

Dan Gutman -  Students were treated to a virtual presentation and Q&A with beloved children's author and New York Times bestseller Dan Gutman. Dan is the author of the hugely popular My Weird School books as well as other children's series like The Flashback Four.  

3rd GRADE

Journeys into American Indian Territory, Eastern Woodland’s Program - Students explored how Native Americans of our region met their three basic needs of food, clothing and shelter by using natural resources. They also focused on traditional government including how laws were passed and how leaders were selected. Students experienced hands-on activities during live virtual sessions on traditional games and stories as well as the use of symbols in communication.  

4th GRADE

Laura Shovan - Poetry Workshop. In this session, the 4th grade students created Persona Poems using postcards and magazine clippings of people as the foundation for their writing. 

5th GRADE

Revolutionary War Day - Students wrapped up their year-long study of the American Revolution with an outdoor presentation by Connecticut’s CT 5th and 6th Regiments on military and civilian life during the Colonial Period. Demonstrations focused on colonial clothing, games, money, and music.

Full details of art enrichment activities in 2023-2024 can be viewed here