5.6. SR 07-15-2002 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Healthy Choices Through the Arts Note: The ER/~A we/comes Caro/e McNaughton-Comrners~ who wrote this article, b~k from her sabbatical leave, Cato/e, ~¢m wrote this article t~as bee~ a valuab/e contdbutor ~o cofta,~ borations between the ER~AA and Comrnu~ity Education, Research shows that the after school hours of 3-6 PM are high risk hours for youth, es- pecially those who may be unsupervised or uninvolved. After school activities enhance or enrich the school day curriculum and pro- vide opportunities for youth to make healthy choices during these hours. Middle school students need the freedom to explore new in- terests and choices while in a safe and ap- propriate setting. Sadly, only 19% of Elk River Area students in grades 7, 8, 10 & 11 spend three or more hours per week in creative activities (music, theater or other arts) and only 49% participate in sports, clubs or other organizations according to a March 2001 Search Institute Survey. In Spring 2002, District 728 Community Educa- tion gathered data from students and parents regarding their interest in after school activi- ties to be offered at the district's four middle schools. 83% of students responding cur- rently go home right after school while 46% participate in sports. With the discontinuation of the District's after school sports and other activities for the coming school year (due to budget constraints), Community Education is developing a new after school program for middle school students. Staff will be hired Upper left photo: Instructor, Sherrie McGraw, standing with painters Kathleen Drake, left, and Donna LaBean, right. Upper right photo: Painting the model are Mark Haglund and Paige LaDue Henry Lower left photo: Painter, Jan Johansen Comments: Before this workshop I thought I loved to paint. Now I really love to paint. I have learned to enjoy every beautiful brushstroke, the beauty of the object I am painting, and yes--even the joy of mixing co/ors. Grace Gisselquist Sherrie said something that created a shift in my thinking about painting--for the better. She said that 'the point and fun of (painting) is the result of the discovery while attempting to create something beautiful. Jan Smith Leffel says, 'All great paintings are unfinished in some way, like a conver- sation.' And a workshop. They leave, and we want more. This is a testament to their talent as both artists and teachers. I have discovered a new 'language', a different way to think about putting paint on canvas, the idea that paint is sculptural not linear. Dede Leitner who can offer enthusiasm, encouragement, and ideas to students in grades 6-8. These part time instructors will be scheduled for their choice of one or more 6 or 7 week sessions throughout the school year. The goal is to provide an array of choices in an affordable and non-threatening format that will entice students to become involved. Professional teaching experience is not required to share your knowledge of the numerous arts areas that appeal to kids: drama, writing, photography, cinema- tography, claymation, painting, sculpture, music, dance, etc. Ail community members can help build positive assets in today's youth by helping them find constructive activities, nurturing a commitment to learning, helping them develop social competencies, modeling appropriate behaviors, and nurturing and supporting a positive identity. Consider this opportunity to make a difference in the community. Youth in the Elk River Area need you! Community Education also offers enrichment for adults, elementary ages, preschoolers and families. For further informa- '--.' tion contact Carole McNaughton-Commers, Program Manager at lSD 728 Community Education, 763-241-3520. Email: communityed@elkriver, k12.mn.us