Loving the Arts at Jack Abrams and Woodhull Schools

While March might be both long and cold, it is also the time for Youth Art Month and Music In Our Schools Month. These twin celebrations were created to highlight the importance of the arts in our lives and in our schools.

Youth Art Month debuted in 1961. It was created with help from the National Art Education Association to celebrate the arts as well as gain respect for what the arts do for children. Music In Our Schools Month was originally created by New York State School Music Assn. to help ensure that music remains an integral part of every student’s education.

Students at Jack Abrams STEM Magnet School and Woodhull Intermediate School celebrated the arts throughout March. Each week students heard fun facts about artists, musicians and why the arts are valuable during morning announcements. The youngsters created “love notes,” writing down why they value arts education. These notes are on display in colorful bulletin boards in both buildings.

Students have written insightful sentences such as “Art makes me calm” and “Music helps me study.”

“It’s really nice to see the students reflect on why they enjoy art and music and how it helps them in their lives,” Huntington art teacher Karen Morea sad. “In addition to these love notes, students are highlighted on the video screens in both buildings working on artwork and performing in chorus, band and orchestra ensembles. There are even photos of teachers in both buildings who played instruments as children, or dance, sing or create art now as adults.”

The celebration culminated with a fun Spirit Week, where students were encouraged to participate in different dress up days such as Primary Color Day, Rock Star Hair Day, Monochromatic Day and Musical Theater Day. Students had a lot of fun dressing up for each theme.

The celebration was organized by Ms. Morea and orchestra teacher Nicole Lynch with additional support and assistance from intermediate grade level art and music teachers. Next year they hope to do even more!