Dear Elementary Families,

As I’ve been walking through classrooms, I come upon so much great learning around our school that I want to share with you! This week, I’d like to spotlight the visual arts.

To celebrate International Dot Day, the Learning Commons and Art department collaborated to inspire our youngest learners. K–2 students listened to the story of Vashti in The Dot, learned about artist Yayoi Kusama, and then took to the canvas to let their own unique creativity flow!

Visual art in elementary school is about much more than making crafts; it is a powerful tool for creative thinking. Our warm and inviting art room is a place where children have the freedom to explore possibilities. When students paint, build, or draw, they learn to make choices and test new ideas. If a project does not go as planned, they learn to adapt and turn mistakes into fresh ideas. This hands-on process teaches flexible problem-solving and builds confidence in their own abilities.

Art also gives young learners a clear way to express themselves. Elementary children often have big ideas that are difficult to explain with words alone. Creating artwork lets them bring those ideas to life and share their unique perspectives with others. As students work through their projects, they build focus, patience, and pride in what they create. Our visual arts program encourages every child to embrace new challenges and celebrate their personal creative voice.

Warm regards,

Ruth Poulsen

Parents & Guardians, you may use these Family Tech Planners to help your kids think through important questions around tech use: What will I do? How much time will I spend? Am I making thoughtful choices?

Tech Planner for families with children ages 2 – 8

Tech Planner for families with children ages 9 – 12