According to <a href="http://www.americansforthearts.org/public_awareness/artsed_facts/001.asp">Americans for the Arts</a>, young people who participate in the arts for at least three hours, three days a week for a year are four times more likely to be recognized for academic achievement, three times more likely to be elected to class office within their schools, and four times more likely to participate in a math and science fair. <a ... more
According to <a href="http://www.americansforthearts.org/public_awareness/artsed_facts/001.asp">Americans for the Arts</a>, young people who participate in the arts for at least three hours, three days a week for a year are four times more likely to be recognized for academic achievement, three times more likely to be elected to class office within their schools, and four times more likely to participate in a math and science fair. <a href="http://www.americansforthearts.org/public_awareness/artsed_facts/highlights/visual_arts.asp">Oodles of research</a> reveals just how important arts education is when it comes to developing young minds. Before I was born my mother was an art educator, so I'm particularly disappointed in how a lack of prioritization, the so-called No Child Left Behind law and other factors have driven the arts out of public schools.
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The concept here is simple: School teachers have programs they want to implement that go beyond what their (usually disadvantaged) schools will support. Those teachers post 'proposals' to the DonorsChoose.org website and ask microphilanthropists for a few hundred dollars in direct project support. (<a href="http://www.donorschoose.org/about/about.html?zone=0">Here's more</a> on how it works.) So far the site has raised almost $16 million for projects that have served 800,000 kids.
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Every day between now and Christmas I'll be posting on arts-related project from DonorsChoose.org. Most of them will require less than $500 to fully fund. DonorsChoose.org accepts microphilanthropic gifts of $10 and up. I hope MAN readers support worthy projects either as individuals or as a group. <strong>I'll list donors on Christmas Day. If you put a little group together, say the 'Springfield Art Museum curatorial department,' email me so that I know to list you as such.</strong> hide
We are truly grateful for your generosity. My classroom was in great need of science materials. I have worked hard on getting materials for my students, but it seemed as though it was never enough, until you came along. My students and I are truly appreciative of what you have done for us. My student's grades have improved tremendously due to the hands-on activities that the kits have provided.
I am grateful to you and appreciate everything that you have done for us. Woodville needs more people like you. Again we are thankful for your kindness, and we hope the rest of your year is filled with nothing but joy, you deserve it!
Thank you for your generous donation. Not only are we appreciative of your donation but we are very grateful because the materials are well needed. Too often we are hindered from exploring the many creative realms that the world of art offers, particularly due to a lack of resources. With these materials we will have the opportunity to explore some printmaking techniques in addition to other art projects. Once again, on behalf of myself and the students at Augusta Fells Savage we thank you and look forward to working with you in the future”
Thanks so much for your donation of supplies. DonorsChoose has been a lifeline for my class. I wouldn't be able to do these special projects without outside help. My husband is a carpenter, so I get a lot of fun wood pieces. My students love building things. The relief project will teach them the difference between relief and free-standing sculpture. They'll also learn how construct with wood. They will also get to paint it, turning potential landfill into art. I like to encourage my students to use recycled materials as much as possible. They will learn how to use brushes and mix colors. I have very enthusiastic 3rd graders! My bilingual class has art in their schedule for the first time; they are thrilled to get to do all kinds of art. Thank you again”
My students and I are very excited! We are eagerly anticipating the late January arrival of the nearly 100 drawing books for our Art Room Library. The students are already discussing which book they want to take home first. We will be assembling sketchbooks soon after returning to school from winter break. We would like to thank you for your generous donation that made this project a dream come true!
Sincerely,
Liz G and the 200 students at Washington Elementary School”
My students are going to be so excited to hear that they will be able to continue to create their artist trading cards. Without wonderful donors, like yourself, my art program would not be able to continue. Thank you for finding the arts as important as I do and I look forward to sending you the feedback kit to show you what my students have completed”
I am so excited about your donations so my deserving students can participate in an art project that not only will be enjoyable but also teach them about themselves in the process. You do not know how much this means to me! What you gave will help a great group of kids learn and know that someone out there cared enough about them to help with the supplies so they could experience the wonderful world of art and expressing their emotions at the same time. It takes a very great and considerate person to do what you did. Thank you very much and remember it can just take one person to make a big change in someones life and you did that for me and my students! :”
The best Christmas presents are the unexpected ones. Knowing I can provide these materials to my students next spring couldn't be a better gift. I plan to paint in the spring when the azaleas bloom on Lactiona, the nearby city lake. It will include a field trip and I'm so excited! Thanks so much”
Thank you so much for funding this art project. It will greatly benefit my students at Pioneer. They will now be able to learn more about great artists. I really appreciate your donation. After we receive the materials, my students will be able to express their gratitude also. Thanks again so much”
With gratitude,
Ms. G.
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