Seattle's Child

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Grant Elementary School PTA in Tacoma Receives National Arts Grant

Grant Elementary PTA in Tacoma received the National PTA 2010-2011 Mary Lou Anderson Reflections Arts Enhancement Grant, a $1,000 matching grant for student-centered arts education programs. They are among only three recipients nationwide (the other winners are Bailey's Elementary School PTA in Falls Church, Va. and Ridgely Middle School PTA in Lutherville, Md.).

Grant Elementary PTA will create an art program called Art Attack, which heightens families' understanding of what arts-infused education means and helps children become more engaged and curious learners. Artists-in-residence will teach students about writing, dancing, music and the relationship between art, science and history.

For instance, a Brazilian drummer will work with Pre-K and first graders to make music. Students from second through fifth grade will rotate through three different arts-oriented mini-courses, including Native American dancing, Chinese character drawing, bookbinding, improvisational theatre and hip hop dancing. All students will see a glass blowing demonstration by the Tacoma Art Museum's mobile hot shop.

The grant recipients were chosen based on the quality of the proposed program and anticipated outcomes. Special consideration was given to programs centered on helping at-risk children whose environmental, familial or socioeconomic situation may affect their academic success or ability to learn.

For more information about additional PTA arts enhancement programs, visit the PTA Reflections web site at www.PTAreflections.org.

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