What People Are Saying about K-12 Arts Integration:
Erin B, High School Senior - It's a hopeful message
Alissa, 17 - I loved being able to contribute to something bigger than I am. You’re very inspirational David.
6th Grade Students
- Thank you for coming and teaching us living tableaux. I can use some of those skills because I am shy and I want to be a doctor, singer or police officer. Thank you!
- Thank you for telling us to have a beginning, middle and end to help us with our tableaux. Also to add “meat” to our sentences like adjectives and adverbs to make our tableaux better.
Taylor, 16 - I found that David’s ability to include everyone was very effective
Leia, HS Senior - I found the collaborative aspect to be the most fun and it was cool to see various ideas bounce around
Monica L., K-8 Teacher - The most effective aspect of this residency was the reinforcement of music, language, and historical concepts all rolled into one. Mr. Simmons was fabulous at reaching them on their own level. The teachers and parents loved that the students created everything (mostly) themselves and that they were able to demonstrate their knowledge through this creative presentation.
Carolyn, High School Teacher - Integrating those that were uncomfortable and give them a voice. Love it!!
Frank, 16 - You were very positive and open to new ideas.
Spencer, 17 - The level of interaction and creativity. It allowed a lot of people to open up
Kindergarten Student, Nashua, MT - I love workshop!
Special Needs Teacher, Glasgow, MT - My students had an excellent experience. All of my students are special needs, David was willing to adjust his lesson to fit the needs of the group.
Kevin R., Principal - This is perfect. So many of our kids feel like they don't have a voice. ... To see our students up there was a once in a lifetime (experience). Thank you for generously giving your time and expertise to conduct the workshop and telling your story. Our students benefited greatly.
Gail K. (Parent) Phoenix, AZ - I’m not sure what you said to (my son) today but, he's been on cloud nine all night and feels really good about himself. Positive reinforcements that come from respected mentors resonate in a child’s life forever! Thank you so much.
Michelle P. (Parent) Phoenix, AZ - I wanted to take a moment to thank you for the splendid job you did with those children. These last 3 weeks my son became a different person and that shell that he built was cracked and I have never seen my son so happy. I am forever grateful for the people and circumstances that gave him the experience of community.
Janene V. Director of Programs and Education, West Valley Arts Council - (David's work) ... is a stellar example of "Beyond the Classroom" learning, greatly impacting students and teachers; especially in many rural districts and Title 1 schools. Our students are learning invaluable College & Career Ready skills and our teachers are being provided with high quality professional development that helps prepare our next generation of thinkers and leaders!
Kate B. (parent) Scottsdale, AZ. - Julie has been extremely effective at building my daughter's scholastic self-esteem. Julie also quickly caught onto my daughter's interests and has built math problems around dogs, chickens, art or whatever my daughter is most interested in at the time. Before my daughter went on ADHD medication, Julie was good at recognizing and giving her breaks when she needed them.
Debbie G. (parent) Rochester, NY. - Julie provided wonderful support for my son when he was in middle school. She understands children who engage material differently. She guides them in thinking strategically about how to delve into projects and assignments, and she helps students with tips for organizing their work. Her calm and encouraging manner is perfect for bringing out the best in a child. She has both curricular and collegial resources at her fingertips and doesn't hesitate to supplement when it will help the student. I'm glad we were referred to Julie when my son needed extra help. She is terrific!
K-8 Students, Goodyear, AZ
- We can actually write our own songs!
- We learned how beats fit with words
- Beats can be descriptive
- It was totally an original idea of our own
- I liked learning the different vocal styles
- I liked creating something
- Enjoyed learning about different guitar styles
- I liked the teamwork
- I liked creating a song
7th grader, Glasgow, MT - (He) had skills! He was amazing! I enjoyed his personality and teaching skills!"