Student Voice, Student Choice
Student voice, student choice
A social justice poster from the digital design “Passion Program” at S2
The strength of our relationships with our partners has made it possible to remain creative and flexible in these uncertain times. Creative Art Works established a partnership last year with School in the Square (S2) in Washington Heights to provide “Passion Programs,” which are in-school electives that allow students to choose their own subjects.
After a successful digital arts program, our students requested that we pivot to a hands-on program for next quarter, because they are already spending so much time working at their computers. (If you are working from home, maybe you can relate?) Accommodating this request required adapting the curriculum – and delivering supplies – on short notice; however, Kimani Davis, the Dean of School Culture, was more than willing to listen to student feedback and work with our programs team to make it happen.
CAW assembled “to-go bags” of art supplies for students to collect on their next homework pickup day. In the meantime, students have been improvising with whatever materials they have on hand. The first lesson plans are designed so that they can be successfully completed with nothing more than a pencil and paper.
“I think what kids are missing so much during at-home schooling is the human connection. When they are in the digital world, the focus is on learning the technical aspects of the design software. There’s a lot of silence. With hands-on art, it’s more intuitive. Kids are talking and sharing with each other as they create together as a group. It feels more like a community of friends.”
Each or our students are receiving a “to-go bag” containing materials for a variety of projects.
None of this would have been possible without a truly solid partnership. Megan says, "The teachers and administrators at S2 see the power of art programming for their kids, and they want us to stay involved. They care about their students and they know we share their concerns.”
Self-portrait from the first hands-on class
“The ‘Passions Program’ is about choice. When I hear students say they’ll take whatever class [CAW Teaching Artist] Megan teaches, I know she is building solid relationships with our kids.”