The Finest Arts

As many of you know, my office morphs into an art gallery every few weeks when art teachers from each division share their students’ latest masterpieces with me. I enjoy adorning my walls with student artwork not only for the aesthetic appeal, but also because it reminds me of the important benefits of a fine arts education.

Starting with our very youngest students, we foster an environment where self-expression is appreciated and encouraged. Through fine arts classes and special activities, exposure to the arts enriches a student’s education and builds strong skills for the future.

One such activity is the fourth-grade Docent Program that just celebrated its 25th anniversary last week. The Program provides students with an opportunity to share their knowledge of art and design and expand their presentation skills. Beginning in first grade, students visit the Milwaukee Art Museum three times each year and observe docents modeling various ways to present pieces of artwork. In fourth grade, students select their favorite piece of art at the Museum and combine report writing and public speaking into a memorable experience as they present the artwork to family and friends.

The Docent Program is a highlight of the year for Lower School Art Teacher Bob Geniusz, who believes programs like this are crucial to developing well-rounded students. “Docent Night 2013 was a great success,” he says. “The evening began and ended in the wonderful Windover Hall designed by Santiago Calatrava. All of the fourth-graders were well prepared and loved presenting their impressions of their favorite Art Museum works of art to their families and friends.”

It is only appropriate that I also mention the upcoming spring issue of USM Today, which will further explore the fine arts curriculum we provide our students. I hope you enjoy reading about the wonderful ways our students are encouraged to think, express, and create each day.

International Fair Showcases Diversity

Following spring break, I used this space to discuss USM’s strong sense of community as we introduce the Varsity Club, a new way for many of our alumni to reconnect with each other and the School.

This week, I wish to celebrate our School community coming together in another rewarding way at the 2013 International Fair.

The Lower School gymnasium was buzzing with excitement last Friday as students, parents, and faculty members joined together for this day-long event. Students had the opportunity to immerse themselves in the customs and traditions of 13 different countries as they learned about the rich, vibrant, and diverse cultures that make up the USM community.

Fair attendees were treated to interactive games and activities, videos, and musical demonstrations specific to each participating country. Each booth truly felt like a visit to another land!

USM is dedicated to providing opportunities that build a lifelong foundation of active learning for our students. These opportunities are provided both inside and outside of the classroom, and I am proud to lead a School that celebrates its diversity and can conceptualize the study of other cultures through immersion events such as the International Fair.

I want to thank all of our volunteer parents and faculty members for their hard work in putting together this fantastic event for our students. A special thank-you to Middle School Spanish Teacher Jeff Ballentine for taking the reins and coordinating the event this year!