Kent ES Students Learn Through Art, Music, Theatre, Dance Singing, dancing, acting, and expressing artistic creativity aren’t always the first things that come to mind when thinking about elementary school. However, at E. L. Kent Elementary, one of four Imagine Fine Arts Academies in CFBISD, they are breaking the mold by providing students the opportunity to experience success, not only in academics, but through a variety of creative expressions. Studies have shown that involvement in the fine arts is associated with gains in math, reading, cognitive ability, critical thinking, and verbal skills. It can also improve motivation, concentration, confidence, and teamwork. The Imagine Fine Arts Academy is a comprehensive signature program where students learn and grow through art, music, theatre, and dance. “At Kent, we believe that arts education targets a variety of learners, and that by participating in the arts, students gain a skill set that doesn’t often get targeted in other classes,” said Lorina Watts, theatre teacher and Kent Fine Arts team lead. “Students are encouraged to be creative problem solvers, to develop fine motor skills, language skills, social skills, and to improve decision making, risk-taking and inventiveness.” Each student at Kent ES participates in a variety of fine arts classes which foster higher
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levels of thinking that carry over to academics as well as to life outside of school. Parents at Kent ES can see the positive impact the fine arts curriculum has on their children. “We just love the creative projects our children get to experience,” said the Stigler family. “We appreciate them being introduced to many types of media in the art world.” The fine arts are offered at all elementary campuses in the form of art and music class. CFBISD Imagine Fine Arts Academies incorporate the traditional art and music classes, as well as theatre and dance for all students. In theatre, students focus on the process of creating plays. Topics include acting, script writing, and technical theatre. Students also work on developing their acting tools, such as face and voice, to tell a story as an actor. “Theatre is a wonderful tool for teaching empathy and teamwork,” Watts said. “The art of creating a play inherently needs people to work together to creatively solve problems. We develop the skills of imagination, concentration, collaboration, and communication. In these ever-changing times, theatre helps us find the common ground in our experiences and understand different perspectives.” Kent Cardinals also participate in a variety of types of dance including modern, ballet, jazz, and folk dance. “Dance gives students confidence,
CARROLLTON-FARMERS BRANCH ISD
promotes creativity and problem-solving skills,” dance teacher Tracy Kennedy said. “Students learn body awareness, balance, and flexibility. It allows students to move and get their energy out. For many students, dance is their creative outlet and a way to express themselves.” Principal Debbie Williams has seen changes in her students since becoming a Fine Arts Academy. “The Fine Arts Academy has provided opportunities for students to build their self-confidence and increase their ability to publicly speak/perform in front of an audience,” she said. “Our students have a stronger sense of pride and self-worth. The creative outlet in fine arts classes has led to increased student engagement in all subject areas.” Students truly invested in the arts also have the opportunity to experience fine arts at higher levels through their Ensemble Program. This includes Art Workshop, the Kentatonix musical group, Momentum dance company, and the Cardinal Players ensemble that performs skits, musical theater numbers, puppet shows and more. The Imagine Fine Arts Academy is offered at E. L. Kent Elementary, Dave Blair Elementary, Tom Landry Elementary, and Country Place Elementary. “Being in a Fine Arts Academy is so amazing because we learn so much,” Kent fifth-grader Eamon Cruz said.