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Los Angeles Unified School District Board of Education |
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Scott M. Schmerelson |
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News Release
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CONTACT |
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE March 13, 2024 |
Los Angeles Unified Acknowledges the Importance of Arts Education through Arts, Culture, and Creativity Month and Week
Los Angeles (March 13, 2024) - The Los Angeles Unified School District will celebrate student art through a resolution sponsored by Board Vice President Scott M. Schmerelson, co-sponsored by Board President Jackie Goldberg and Board Members Dr. George J. McKenna III, Dr. Rocío Rivas and Student Board Member Karen Ramirez, and passed with full support from all board members.
The resolution will invite schools during the week of April 22 through April 27 to participate in Art Appreciation and Celebration Week, and dedicate the entire month of April to arts, culture, and creativity.
“Arts education is crucial now more than ever as we know that it not only allows for student creativity but can also assist in social-emotional learning,” said Board Vice President Scott M. Schmerelson. “The arts are deeply embedded into the history of Los Angeles, and our students are the future of this important industry. However, we must go further by openly celebrating and supporting them as they follow their goals in film, art, dance, or any other artistic medium.”
“Arts education is an indispensable right,” said Superintendent Alberto M. Carvalho. “It has been shown that Arts Education has a positive impact on a student’s education, self-confidence, communication skills and school attendance. We must ensure our students have access to visual and performing arts alongside photography, storytelling, poetry and more.”
“After the historic, well-deserved, and glorious win of ‘The Last Repair Shop’ at this year’s Academy Awards, this is the perfect time to implement Art Appreciation and Celebration Week,” said Board President Jackie Goldberg. “Thank you to Mr. Schmerelson, Dr. McKenna, and Dr. Rivas for introducing this important resolution to acknowledge our vibrant art programs.”
“Celebrating the Arts reminds us all how important is it to offer our students exposure to learning opportunities that enhance their core subject learning,” said Dr. George J. McKenna III. “Additionally, we also saw the value of arts on display on one of the largest stages in the world a couple nights ago. We should continue to invest in arts education so we keep expanding the life lens of our students.”
“Arts education fosters creative expression, critical thinking, and cultural awareness, which are the building blocks for a holistic academic experience and a well-rounded person,” said Board Member Dr. Rocío Rivas.
"Access to the arts in schools not only promotes creativity, wellness, and social-emotional learning, but also builds cultural equity and inclusion and encourages students’ problem-solving skills and self-esteem,” said Board Member Nick Melvoin. “I'm proud that the District is commemorating Art Appreciation and Celebration Week in March to elevate student talents and uplift the arts."
“Arts education is more than enrichment; it’s a fundamental part of public education,” said Board Member Kelly Gonez. “I am consistently impressed by amazing artistic accomplishments of our students across all types of media, and I am delighted to celebrate them during Art Appreciation Week.”
“Celebrating Arts gives students and our communities important opportunities to embrace their talents and creativity and inspire them to pursue fulfilling professions,” said Board Member Tanya Ortiz-Franklin. “This resolution builds upon my resolution, “Arts Justice: Access and Equity Across the Disciplines and the District,” which commits to equitable access to high-quality, standards-based arts education. As a District, we must continue to provide access to learning in holistic – including artistic – ways for students to thrive.”
“As someone who has participated in Los Angeles Unified Visual and Performing Arts programs since elementary school, I am elated to see my District uplifting a passion I share with my peers at Los Angeles Unified Unified,” said Student Board Member Karen Ramirez. “Throughout my time as a Student Board Member, I have had the opportunity to witness the talent of student artists and performers that make up LA Unified. I wholeheartedly support this effort to showcase my peers' artistic talent.”
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