ART @ WESTMOOR SCHOOL

Our elementary art team is made up of passionate and resourceful professionals. An in-house developed art curriculum is implemented to inspire and develop deeper understanding of art concepts and skills. Students are encouraged to experiment in a safe and inquiry-based environment that promotes self expression and technical skills through a wide variety of art media including clay, digital arts, fiber, drawing, painting, printmaking and more. Additionally, through the offering of after school and lunch art clubs, District 28 artists have an additional outlet for creating, self expression, and helping with musical and Winter Sing set designs. Passion for the arts is also encouraged through engaging art classroom environments with an emphasis on thoughtful arrangement of learning centers and supplies that encourage student independence and creativity. Finally, Elementary Art Teachers of Northbrook 28 are passionate about keeping up to date with best teaching and learning art practices. As such, they actively seek out professional development opportunities throughout the year, including attending and leading presentations alongside art professionals at the ILAEA conference, attending the NAEA convention, and taking continuing education online graduate level classes.

    Each elementary school works hard to create a strong collaboration with their respective music departments through the development of student-involved set designs that Wow! Hundreds of hours are dedicated by the art teachers each year towards the innovative stage designs of the 1st-4th grade Winter Concert and 5th Grade Spring Musical. Students are given the opportunity to actively participate in creating these advanced stage designs emphasizing hands-on learning and collaborative experiences throughout the year that encourage a passion and appreciation for the theatrical arts.
   Northbrook 28 Administration, family, and community support for the arts programs is also very strong. Through innovative special events, the arts are treated as essential for a well-rounded student. Successful professional artists are regularly invited to inspire and work with our students through the funding and support of the artists-in-residence programs. Each school also houses and curates its own professionally-framed student-created permanent art collection that is added to annually. 
   Each school hosts art shows throughout the year These exhibits take on different forms from year to year, from hosting traveling art shows around the community to art showcases that coincide with music program events. Throughout the year, student work is also selected to be displayed in the Homer O. Harvey district office art gallery for patrons to enjoy when visiting the district office. Finally, we further showcase student talent outside of the school environment such as in nearby community centers and local shops. 

Through innovative use of technology and 1:1 iPad integration, students and families become active participants in student discovery and personal growth in the elementary art classroom. Students are encouraged to express themselves and share the creative process through the frequent use of the Seesaw app. Students and their families are able to view and offer positive feedback on their process and developing artwork that further enhances their experiences in a collaborative environment. Students frequently add to their Artsonia digital art portfolios. Here, they get to practice basic photography and editing skills to share their art with the larger global community. Students develop their voice in creating artist statements about their work.  Finally, students are regularly encouraged to use specific teacher curated apps to further engage and deepen understanding of art concepts related to the world around them.