Crofton Woods Elementary Receives Arts Education Award

was recently recognized by the Arts Education in Maryland Schools Alliance Inc. (AEMS) for its outstanding efforts to incorporate the arts into the learning environment. The school was one of three public schools in the state to receive the Maryland School of Excellence in Arts Education Award, according to a release.

The award is presented to schools with art programs that include the following characteristics:

• A balanced arts curriculum.
• Creative approaches to teaching and learning.
• Opportunities for parental involvement through hands-on, creative, interactive, arts-based activities.
• Various opportunities for learning about other cultures through the arts. 
• Community connections that offer students experiences beyond the classroom. 

The Crofton Woods Elementary website features a link to more than 3,000 samples of students' art projects on Artsonia, along with a that shows China art, painted rain barrels, shadow puppets, and symmetrical art projects. The school celebrated Chinese New Year in February and students learned songs in Chinese during general music classes.

The other schools recognized by the AEMS were in Annapolis and Elk Neck Elementary School in Elkton.

Does your child attend Crofton Woods Elementary? Tell us what you think of the arts integration program in the comments.