Kindergarten Art Integration Program Takes Shape in
Elementary Schools
Fixer Upper: Keystone Oaks School District
This year, led by Dr. Shannon Varley,
the District funded $15,000 worth of
classroom redesign projects. Teachers
gathered feedback from students
and submitted proposals for paint,
furniture, and other items to make
their classrooms more functional. A
committee reviewed each application
and six classrooms were redesigned
this school year.
High School Math Teacher Josh
Kirchner was the first teacher to unveil
his redesigned classroom. In addition
to freshly painted, bright walls and
new decor, Mr. Kirchner's room now
also has tables where students can
Art has been shown to help improve academic
skills, decrease stress levels and increase student
motivation and this year, Keystone Oaks has
launched a new program that will integrate
art into the kindergarten curriculum to help
students in these areas.
Led by elementary art teacher Rebecca Hersan,
the program will be offered in addition to the
students’ regular art class, giving them additional
opportunities to build their problem-solving,
critical thinking, and social skills. The program
ties in literature, too, as students are read a book
prior to beginning the art project.
30 Keystone Oaks