In the past month, two colleagues shared personal stories of how the arts were a coping device that got them through very difficult times in their youth. They both said that art saved their lives. This underscores that when students participate in the arts, they are learning far more than just the art form itself. Students are also developing social and emotional competencies.

It’s no wonder that current research links arts education to improving academic outcomes, lowering dropout rates (particularly for at-risk students) and better graduation rates (regardless of a student’s socio-economic status).  In fact, the arts seem to help the most with students who have the least access.  Let’s share this information with our colleagues, broaden the reach of arts education, and save more lives!

Thank you for all that you do in service of the arts in education.

Janet Hayakawa, Program Supervisor
The Arts - Dance, Media Arts, Music, Theatre, and Visual Arts
Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction
Janet.Hayakawa@k12.wa.us
Office: 360-725-4966
Cell/Text: 360-764-6157

Art by: D. Jones "Benjamin" (Recipient of State Board of Education Award of 2019 Art Show) 

Deck the Halls of the Governor’s Mansion!

Students from across Washington were selected to create ornaments for the holiday tree at the Governor’s Mansion.  The theme of this year’s ornaments is “state symbols”. The mansion receives a high number of visitors during the holiday season and since 2013, artwork from K-12 students has been part of the festivities.  Congratulations to students and teachers from the following schools who participated this year:

Allen Elementary, Burlington
Bethel Early Learning Center, Bethel   
Hamilton International Middle School, Seattle Southwood Elementary, Enumclaw
Enumclaw High School, Enumclaw
Columbia Valley Gardens, Longview
Grandview High School, Grandview
East Valley Middle School, Spokane  
Meridian Parent Partnership Program, Bellingham Hedden Elementary, Fife
Southworth Elementary, Yelm
Columbia River Gorge Elementary, Washougal

Click the links to see an ornament the school provided. 

Pictured: Student ornaments on tree in Governor's Mansion.

National Symphony Orchestra Summer Music Institute – Due January 20, 2020

 National Symphony Orchestra at The Kennedy Center offers a four-week summer program for for student instrumentalists (ages 15-20). This tuition free program is designed to expose and prepare students for a 21^st Century orchestral career. Find application information here.

Arts Opportunities for Students and Teachers at Centrum

Located in Port Townsend, Centrum in partnership with OSPI, gathers young artists, scientists and teachers together for an intensive, residential learning experience. Artists working in the fields of visual art, writing, theater, movement, music and dance will provide young artists opportunities to learn new ways of thinking, seeing, and being. Opportunities in 2020 include:

• Explorations for grades 7-9, March 1-6, a multi-genre exploration in the arts. For more information click here.  Scholarship deadline: January 27, 2020

• Water World for grades 5-6, April 26-May 1, a study of the marine environment through the lens of art and science. For more information, click here. Scholarship deadline: February 24, 2020

• Dance This! For grades 9-12, August 2-9, an in-depth opportunity to learn a wide range of dance styles, techniques and choreography for all levels. For more information, click here. 

Vision 2020: Inclusion, Diversity, Equal Access for Learning – Music Conference

The Washington Music Educators Association State Conference and All-State Honor Groups performances take place on February 13-16, various locations in Yakima, WA.  Highlights include Sheila E as the keynote speaker of the general session on Friday February 14. Conference headliners include Lynn Kleiner, Richard Lawton, Nicole Lamartine, Robert Culver and Mary Beth Thompson.  Educators may earn clock hours as well as continuing education credits through Central Washington University. For information and to register click here.

The 47^th Annual Superintendent’s High School Art Show

Now’s the time to work with high school visual artists (2-dimensional and 3-dimensional) to create entries for your local Education Service District (ESD) Art Show in early 2020.  Finalists from these regional art shows will be submitted to the Superintendent’s High School Art Show, where several exemplary artworks will be recognized.  To see winners from previous years, click here. To enter student work in a regional art show, contact your local ESD.

Art by: M. Weiland "Hiding in the Garden" (Recipient of OSPI Staff Award of 2019 Art Show) 

World Alliance for Arts Education International Conference – Arts Impact 2020: Context Matters

This summit will bring together arts education professionals worldwide to share the latest research, thought, and practice in arts education assessment and evaluation. Primary and secondary school arts educators, higher education professionals, arts education researchers and policymakers, national, state, and local education officials from across the world are invited to participate. Save the date — October 26-29, 2020, in Gainesville, Florida. Stay tuned for more information.