By Jennifer La Lima
Superintendent Dominic Mucci fully supports the CAP program. He said, "I think we are tremendously fortunate to have a program that allows the kids different opportunities in the arts and drama. There are not many programs like it in Nassau County -- programs that recognize students' artistic abilities as well as academic."
An enriching experience
The new art-enrichment program began Nov. 21 and will run through June 6. During that time, fifth-graders will be split into three groups. In addition to art class, each of the three groups will meet for one block of enrichment every sixth day for seven weeks. This year's theme is "Careers in the Arts," which range from art historian, to architect, to fashion designer. This year, fifth-graders will concentrate on graphic design.
The enrichment program will give students a glimpse of what has traditionally been offered in the sixth-grade CAP. Assistant Superintendent Marilyn Johnson believes that CAP gives students in-depth knowledge of the arts. Many youngsters, she noted, have gone on to pursue careers in the arts.
Johnson said, "This program can open up the door to an ability that the child might not have known he or she had. Students will have the opportunity to take part in a play at the end of the school year, as well as showcase their work for parents and visitors."
The Creative Arts Program and the fifth-grade art-enrichment program are unregulated by the state. District officials hope to organize an advisory committee of parents, teachers and administrators to improve the arts programs.
This year, the district received a $5,000 state grant secured by Sen. Charles Fuschillo Jr., which will go to purchase supplies for fifth-grade enrichment program, as well as to hold student plays in each of the district's elementary schools.
Getting creative
The sixth-grade CAP comprises two groups of art students and two groups of drama students. The drama division teaches students about the evolution and history of dramatic arts, how to use the five senses to become a believable character and how to act in an ensemble cast.
Art students learn about the history of art, and ask questions such as what makes art art? Students study the lives and works of a number of famed artists, including Vincent Van Gogh, Salvador Dali and Andy Warhol, as well as the works of more contemporary artists. Students then create their own artwork, using two and three-dimensional design.
CAP combines creativity with discipline. Many of the exercises integrate art with math, or art with history. Along with learning the math that goes into a graphing exercise, students also learn how to make their own protractors. Students not only study the names of historical artists and paintings, but they learn how to look deeply into a work of art to see the lines, shapes and colors within.
LoBosco was an art teacher in the district from 2000 to 2003, and returns this year as an art teacher and CAP instructor. It's apparent that she loves art. An example of positive, creative energy, she is admired by her students.
LoBosco said, "The program used to be very theatrical. This year, we're concentrating more on the individual student and developing artistic methods and abilities."
Previously an art director at Adelphi University, as well as an artist for the United Nations International Children's Education Fund for 15 years, LoBosco's professional experience compliments her natural ability to connect with students.
LoBosco prepares students for real-life situations such as interviews. Students perform in a mock interview for a commercial. They learn appropriate behavior in an interview as well as poise.
This year, sixth-grade CAP students will visit the Museum of the Moving Image and the Museum of Arts and Design in New York City. LoBosco hopes the children will come to appreciate the art that they can find all around them by simply sitting on a park bench and gazing at the city.
LoBosco's students appreciate her belief in "sloppy copies." Sixth-grade CAP student Rebecca Mazur, who likes computers and graphic design, said, "We can make mistakes and make the project even better."
LoBosco incorporates projects such as decoupage, sculpture, papier-machè and painting on canvas because they are all sensory activities that young students usually don't experience.
Sixth-grade CAP student Maria Cafasso loves art and is inspired by the CAP program. "I want to buy paints because I like to do art even when I'm home. I'm excited to paint in my free time," she said.
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