Creative summer fine arts program at Tavan expands students’ skills, prepares them for AIMS

Tavan Elementary School students attending the Arts & Enrichment Program
perform Charlie and the Chocolate Factory

To help students at Tavan Elementary School prepare for the Arizona’s Instrument to Measure Standards (AIMS) test, the school has offered a free summer Fine Arts & Enrichment Program.

“Because the K-3 Override passed in May, we were able to free up our Title I funds to offer this program to our students at no charge,” said Margaret Serna, principal at Tavan.

The Fine Arts & Enrichment Program is designed to give students new opportunities to explore and develop their skills and talents. The students are incorporating writing into each enrichment program, including art, music, drama, crafts, culinary arts, computer and physical education.

Students signed up for the program before the school year ended. In addition, parents attended a parent academy workshop.

“Research shows us that successful schools have a high percent of parents who are involved with their children’s school. This demonstrates to the children that their parents value their education,” said Ms. Serna.

The summer Fine Arts & Enrichment Program is so successful that Ms. Serna is looking for sponsors to help fund next year’s summer camp.

“The overwhelming success of the summer program has exceeded my expectations and my dreams,” said Ms. Serna. “For Tavan to continue this program in the future, we’ll need to establish partnerships with businesses for the vital funding needed.”

The second session camp started July 11 and will run through August 4 for students in first, second and third grades.

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