Connecting, Communicating and Collaborating: Creating Community

I see one of the greatest opportunities of being the art teacher on my campus is that I can reach every child, connect with every teacher through the course of the week, and communicate with every parent in one way or another. It is the way I can advocate the importance of the arts to the whole community.

At the beginning of the year, and every 6 weeks or so, I send home the Fine Arts Newsletter. It is essentially an introduction to our ways of interacting and learning. I provide my email and a link to my website. I spotlight current events on campus and in the community, provide resources and links, and cheer for “Art Ed.” I attach permission slips for Artsonia and VoiceThread providing clear explanations of how these resources support the learning that takes place in the studio. While these newsletters are intended for students and parents, I send an electronic copy to teachers on campus so they know what is happening as well!

 The Fine Arts Newsletter

Our school website provides each teacher with a profile page, a multi-media blog and individual classroom pages, linked to parent emails. While not all parents have internet access, this tool has been invaluable for notifying parents and guardians of upcoming events and opportunities. This year, my goals include posting questions to our discussion board and having students respond. I see it as a way of continuing the conversation and engaging the whole family. I provide a laptop in my classroom so students can respond to posts if they can’t from home.

 The interactive blog

Another great resource is Artsonia: with its newsletter tool launched last year, I am able to send an email blast to grade levels in yet another manner. I try to provide copies of announcements to students who don’t have internet, and our front office keeps a copy if someone calls with a question. 

And while I must admit that this isn’t my favorite tool for communicating to the community at large, it may be the most effective: the school marquee! I have been able to use it for advocacy, awareness raising and encouraging parent involvement. Yes—in extreme weather, like our current 104+ degrees of heat, it isn’t a glamour job, but it does help spread the news of what our students are learning.

Part of the importance of connecting, communicating and collaborating with the campus and the community is the effect on advocacy for art education programming and support. By relaying what is happening in the studio, community members share the experience. They become involved in the events, and share in the excitement of the students’ artistic development. Community members seek us out for local events.  My students are invited to participate in exhibits and community-wide events that showcase their talents.  They also provide support by donating materials and exhibit space.

 
       

Advocacy can also involve the community through our local government by requesting proclamations for special events like “Arts in Education Week,” in September, “National Arts and Humanities Month,” in October, and of course, Youth Art Month in March. Usually, proclamation requests need to be submitted the month prior to the event for scheduling purposes. What an opportunity that brings to showcase your students’ work and to invite stakeholders to support your efforts in the community and in the schools.

What are some ways you connect with your students, families and community?

~Samantha Melvin