A+ EDUCATION
Eugene Field A+ Elementary makes an impact
Classroom learning at Sioux Falls’ Eugene Field A+ Elementary might look a little like this.
Third graders learn about survival by experimenting with “hummingbird beaks” to collect nectar. Second graders use math and measurement to bake
cupcakes. Fifth graders combine art and science by exploring the water and evaporation cycle with salt crystals, creating “salt art” through their experiments.
Eugene Field is a specialty school with a focus on team-teaching and the arts. The school uses the A+ system of artsbased multiple intelligences learning, a theory pioneered by Harvard University developmental psychologist Howard Gardner. A+ schools believe that art instruction should be a fundamental part of the school day, and that arts and academics should be taught in tandem.
“We’re a specialized school in our district, but we also serve a neighborhood population,” says Eugene Field Principal Dustin Mees. “Our boundaries were purposely designed to be small; 25 percent of our enrollment is from our neighborhood, but 75 percent from greater Sioux Falls, including Tea, Brandon and Harrisburg. This gives the school geographic diversity as well as racial, ethnic and economic diversity.”
In its 25 years, the school has had
an impact. Mees says its students have gone on to become educators, public speakers or politicians. They have been notable athletes and performers in a wide range of theatrical productions. Several earned full-ride scholarships.
“One of our alumni is working as an actor and is performing in an Off-Broadway show in New York,” Mees says. “Another graduate is a music teacher in the Sioux Falls School District.”
MUSIC & ART INSPIRING OUR EDUCATORS
TWO OPPORTUNITIES for visual art, music and choral educators to earn up to two graduate, undergraduate, or recertification (CEU) credits coming this summer.
The South Dakota Arts Council, Arts South Dakota and Augustana School of Music proudly present the inaugural Augustana Music Academy (AMA), July 7-10 in Sioux Falls. AMA will elevate teaching with cutting-edge tools and techniques at our four-day workshop for music educators and enthusiasts. This experience is designed to enhance classroom engagement for K–12 instructors and beyond. Available for up to two grad, undergrad or CEU credits.
The 26th Annual Arts Education Institute helps teachers infuse the arts into classrooms and curriculum development. You need not be a teacher to attend, although workshops offer up to two graduate/undergrad and/or CEU credits. All workshops are held on the Northern State University campus in Aberdeen, July 14-17. Learn more at ArtsSouthDakota.org.
Students, teachers and staff all benefit. “Our community is built around a theme and that includes our staff and teachers,” Mees says. “Many participate in the arts, too — from theater to raising farm animals. We believe in this philosophy and many of us try to be mindful of it in our own lives as well.” ArtsSouthDakota.org/calendar
ON NEWSSTANDS IN MAY!
Enjoy the Arts Journal, our annual celebration of South Dakota creativity … included with your May/June issue of South Dakota Magazine for current subscribers.
Arts South Dakota, a non-partisan and non-profit service organization, advances the arts for South Dakotans and our visitors by connecting, advocating, and educating.
The South Dakota Arts Council is a state agency serving South Dakotans and their communities through the arts.
Arts Alive is presented in partnership with South Dakota Magazine. PO Box 2496
Sioux Falls, SD 57101 605-252-5979
info@ArtsSouthDakota.org ArtsSouthDakota.org
