Outreach Programs

“Our seniors loved the collage class! They really enjoyed the process of learning some new techniques and working on different art pieces, but even more valuable was the talking, sharing, and laughing together over their life stories. After more than a year of isolation, this group of seniors - most of whom didn't usually spend time together before the pandemic - really opened up and learned about each other's journeys. The class received rave reviews from our seniors and was a really special way to start to welcome them back after COVID-19.”

“I worked with a kindergartener who had a lot of tantrums: crying, crawling on the floor, anger, shutting down. One day there were few students in the class and we had the chance to work one on one for a while; She was like a different kid. We painted together (collaboratively, and then separately side by side). She mixed colors, had control over her environment, and enjoyed the session. She asked for more paper and paint so she could keep going, which of course I obliged. She was proud of her new colors and the visual story she created, and wanted to show others. This student was happy when the other children and staff gave her attention and praise.”

"I just wanted to share that (the instructor) and I had a great time at Senior Citizen Resources. Eleven people came outside to participate. That is a big crowd for them. One lady, who shared an uncanny resemblance to RBG, was grinning from ear to ear (well, I couldn’t see her grin but her eyes spoke volumes). One very old gentleman looked very stiff and quiet and really started moving to the beat. Three ladies sat inside and eventually not only came out but participated. I felt like I was in the Awakenings movie as they would come out one by one. It was such a joy to see these people enjoy it so much. Made me love my job even more!"

"I just wanted to share a text message from one of my parents today... 'I just had to say... she's AMAZING!!!!" (about BSMA’s Instructor) "Please tell her for me, THANK YOU! Terrell loves music and I can see he's gonna love her' I always appreciate when parents send me something positive and wanted to share the feedback with you. Today was great! I look forward to the rest of our classes."

Kindergartener from Afghanistan: “She was initially reluctant to share her art as English was not her first language. As the week went on, she thrived in doing the art and said how much she loved it. By the end of the week, she was willing to stand in front of the class and talk about her project with confidence.”

Kindergartener at CMSD’s Clark School who was afraid to make a flower: Student: “I don’t know how.” Instructor: “It’s ok, maybe you could start with a round shape like this…” Student: “But what if I do it wrong?” Instructor: “You’re the artist, you can choose how you make it and if you don’t like how it turns out, you can keep changing it.” Student: “So, there’s no rules in art?” Another student listening: “No, because art comes from the heart.”

"We hope to be able to have our next year class participate in this program! It met the needs of all of our students, and had every child actively involved and learning."

"The children enjoyed participating in the music and art programs. I saw great learning opportunities and the students did not even know it. They were learning to follow directions, take turns, wait, and use musical and art instruments. Academics such as counting, shape naming and color naming were practiced during the activities just to name a few. They used large and small motor muscles during the activities. The hands on learning was amazing!"

"That was pretty amazing!"