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GST BOCES congratulates

M A R J O R I E C O H E N

Artist at

Riverside Elementary School

About the Riverside Project sponsored by the Arnot Art Museum

Riverside Elementary School in the Elmira School District is an enlightened institution. It is a "whole arts" school whereby each grade level gets their own artist to work with them on an intensive project. All this learning takes place through a program facilitated by Marty Evans through the Arnot Art Museum called "The Riverside Project." Kindergarten students worked with Pat Rickard on theatre arts focusing on "Where the Wild Things Are." First grade students worked with Margie Cohen on painting glass. Second grade students worked with John Simon on reading and songwriting; Third grade students worked with Mrs. McPuppet on puppetry; Fourth Grade students worked with Dave Ruch on Iroquois and Native American history and the westward expansion; and Fifth grade students worked on poetry with Gayle Danley.

For Riverside teachers, the entire staff must be on board, and they are. Elizabeth Hasson exclaims "The staff really is on board to this extent.; it's a really good program.. It's good for students to see that art exists in many forms. Long term residencies give them a great depth of artistry. I don't know of another school that does it to this degree."

According to Catherine Jacobs, "Kids are so excited to get to class - they run! They jump up and down because they are so excited to see the artist!"

Artist Margie Cohen; her assistant, artist, Judy Batty; Riverside teacher, Elizabeth Hasson, Riverside Art teacher, Catherine Jacobs

Judy Batty; student intern, Michelle Buchanan; Margie Cohen

Michelle Buchanan, Education Student, Parent, and Artist writes about the Riverside Arts program as well as the importance of the arts in education.

Elmira City School District is a model example of what an arts program should offer. From the day I entered Riverside Elementary I recognized an enriched arts program superior to anything I have witnessed before.

Many recent studies have proven the importance of art in education. In fact, many colleges today are requiring additional arts for students in medicine, criminal justice, and law. The reason for this is that it has been discovered that working in art strengthens critical brain function including observation, problem solving skills, and analytical thinking. Children working in art are strengthening their skills, yet it doesn’t feel like work. Art is the learning bridge to all other subjects, and will help them succeed in academic settings, as well as in life. Congratulations to Elmira City School District for recognizing the importance of art in education.

Carrie Rollins is an administrator who fully understands the vast benefits of a whole arts integrated curriculum. Riverside students are most fortunate for her enlightened leadership!