The Moreno Valley Unified School District (MVUSD) was awarded approximately $700,000 from the California Department of Education Student Support and Academic Enrichment (SSAE) grants. MVUSD is one of 53 districts in California to be awarded a grant under the SSAE. The grant will support arts education for elementary students in the district.
The funding for the grants comes from the federal Title IV program, which addresses the need to provide students with access to well-rounded educational opportunities, to support safe and healthy students, and to encourage the effective use of technology.
The funds will specifically be used to enhance visual and digital arts at five “focus” schools as well as special education visual arts in grades 1 through 5 at all elementary schools. The focus schools will receive iPads and visual and digital arts lessons through a special local artist partnership. Additionally, the “Superintendent’s Summer Art Experience,” a summer professional development opportunity for staff members will be part of the grant.
“We believe this is a unique and necessary visual and digital art experience that will have positive results,” said Coordinator of Visual and Performing Arts Greg Solomon.
The grant continue to add to a quickly growing area within the Moreno Valley Unified School District. Arts education programs within the District have seen significant growth after the Board of Education’s commitment to expanding opportunities for all students in the arts. Nearly half of all students enrolled in the MVUSD are involved in at least one area of the visual or performing arts.
“Having the opportunity for our staff and students to experience art through the eyes of our own community resident artists is exciting,” said Board of Education Vice President Jesus Holguin, “We have a purposeful vision for our students and the organizations involved are essential to the whole success.”
“Research clearly indicates that integrating the Arts at a very young age makes a difference in their future cognitive skills,” said Superintendent Dr. Martinrex Kedziora, “This grant will support improved engagement and achievement in schools.”
The grant period will be nine months, running from January 1, 2019, through September 30, 2019.