Arts
VAPA Foundation
Doreen Schonbrun and Russ Sperling at The Conrad Prebys Performing Arts Center
The VAPA Foundation was founded in 2017 and connects the visual and performing arts
to students and teachers in San Diego Unified School District [ SDUSD ]. 40 % of SDUSD students come from low-income or poverty-level families , and by funding teacher art projects , professional development , and art materials needed for an art-enhanced and standards-based education , student learning potential is increased .
Mr . Garner Saguil ’ s fourth-grade class at Dingeman Elementary School in Scripps Ranch received ukuleles because of the VAPA Foundation . Thanks to this funding , student Mila Shatzko was able to sing and play songs for family , friends , and seniors at The Belmont Village Assisted Living Center via Zoom over the holidays , and when it came time to do a virtual performance of “ Surfin ’ USA ,” Mila found she enjoyed how “ it allowed the classroom to come and play together when the pandemic kept them apart .” In addition to her musical talents , Assistant Superintendent Monika Hazel observed Mila demonstrate her leadership skills by helping others in her small group with tips on playing chords correctly , strumming techniques , and getting everyone to
play their ukuleles together more collaboratively .
38 GBSAN . COM | FEBRUARY 2021