“We want to give students support and recognition... see the band?” asked Fernandez during Isbell’s turn at entertaining. “Those kids are the future of the arts in the high school,” a future that could be at risk.Student art - which included tables decorated with butcher paper covered with drawings - and masks, as well as an imaginative and poignant collage centered on Anne Frank, were displayed throughout the venue.Isbell Middle School teacher Cheryl Philips said a lack of funding for education caused more of an emphasis on providing “need to know” and test score based subjects, “which of course are important and must come first, but the arts need to be pulled into it.” Philips, who teaches ancient history to 6th grade students, said funding cuts “took every elective away as possible, all the arts” when about four years ago school funding was dramatically slashed after years of being nibbled away at.“We need hands-on projects” centered on arts of all types, said Philips, and retired teacher Linda Spink agreed. Arts have been proven by studies to improve student concentration and learning overall, while in turn stimulating the imagination and boosting test scores. In addition, arts are a welcome break from classroom studies, providing, Philips noted, “another kind of mind stimulation.”“The foundation wants to tap into the community,” and Fernandez said the effort is one facet of the better educational offerings the City Council and the community are working toward.
Spring Fling: SP Foundation for Youth has artsy fundraiser for student arts
June 10, 2009
Santa Paula News
The Santa Paula Foundation for Youth celebrated its fundraising kickoff for “Supporting the Arts in the Classroom” held at Teague-McKevett Ranch, where supporters of expanding art education in elementary schools gathered on May 31.
By Peggy KellySanta Paula TimesThe Santa Paula Foundation for Youth celebrated its fundraising kickoff for “Supporting the Arts in the Classroom” held at Teague-McKevett Ranch, where supporters of expanding art education in elementary schools gathered on May 31.Donations to and grants received by the revived foundation - started about 15 years ago by the late Janet Beach - will fund the arts, whether in music, drama, art or other such activities available on a limited basis or not at all to present-day students.“The event has generated a lot of money for the foundation while having a lot of fun,” said Mayor Ralph Fernandez, a foundation director. “What we’re trying to do is backfill” funding lost over the years that the state’s education budget has been reduced.The Spring Fling featured snacks and wines, and a chance to bid on a variety of silent auction items, as well as the opportunity to take part in the live auction - in all an offering of dozens of must have items. The Isbell Band and Condor Chorus offered a show of varied music and song before a spirited performance by The Holly Rollers.