WEST COLUMBIA, SC -- Saluda River Academy for the Arts has received a $12,500 Arts in Basic Curriculum grant from the South Carolina Arts Commission for the 2021-2022 school year.
The grant will allow the school to fund arts opportunities for students and teachers. Among the planned offerings are four artists-in-residence, giving students an opportunity to spend quality class time with professionals who are actively practicing as artists, dancers, actors, designers, and musicians; professional development for teachers; community events; student performances; and curriculum materials.
The kinds of programs funded by the Arts in Basic Curriculum grant are key for SRAA students.
“I have seen the impact that the arts have on the diverse student population here at SRAA,” said Jessika Massengill, a Saluda River SPED teacher who has a child at the school. “Learning through the arts opens doors for all students. Considering the different backgrounds, ethnic groups, students with disabilities, and student demographics, differentiating instruction can be a difficult task. The arts provide a multitude of opportunities to express and display their learning in an all inclusive way. We are thankful enough to have arts integration, where students get hands-on experience and standards based instruction that is demonstrated through an area of the arts, whether that be music, art, theatre, or dance. Students look forward to arts integration and enjoy the change of pace.
Several companies, organizations and individuals in the surrounding community are helping Saluda River meet its obligation of matching the Arts Commission grant with local dollars. Those who are supporting this grant project include Title One Funds, performance donations, PTO, parents, fundraisers, and other community members.
Saluda River Academy for the Arts is a Lexington Two elementary school that also serves as a partial magnet for district students exhibiting a strong arts interest. The school has a comprehensive arts focused program that is embedded into the curriculum. Saluda River is a Kennedy Award-winning school for its Distinguished Arts Program as well as a National Title One School award-winner.