MADISON – The Mississippi Arts Commission recently recognized two schools in the state as models of exemplary practice in arts integration. One of them was St. Anthony, which has had a longstanding participation in MAC’s Whole Schools Initiative.
“St. Anthony Catholic School is extremely honored to be recognized as a model of exemplary practice in arts integration,” said Megan Leake, St. Anthony Whole Schools Initiative project director. “We take pride in teaching the whole child through the integration of the four arts disciplines. St. Anthony knows the value of allowing all types of learners to demonstrate mastery of a skill in a variety of ways. It is intrinsically who we are and what we stand for.”
MADISON – Nicholas Horne and Cy Nobleza worked with visiting artist Laurie Hamilton-Smith to learn about coloring blocking and murals. The art they created will be auctioned at the school’s Starry Night Gala. (Photo by Mary Venable.
The awards presented signify each school’s deep commitment to exemplary arts-integrated teaching, creating a campus-wide culture of arts learning and supporting innovative, educational excellence through the arts.
“Based on decades of research, we know the arts are highly effective as an educational tool, but when you walk into schools like Nora Davis Magnet School and St. Anthony Catholic School, the power of the arts is at every turn,” said Malcolm White, executive director of the Mississippi Arts Commission. “The children are excited to learn in and through the arts and the value of arts integrated education is evident.”
The Whole Schools Initiative is Mississippi’s first comprehensive statewide arts education program, which uses the arts as a vehicle for promoting high-quality instruction and learning for students in all disciplines. Whole Schools Initiative evaluation results have shown increased standardized test scores, increased community involvement and support, increased parental involvement and improved overall teacher morale. Jackson St. Richard also participates in the program.