For More Information
Kim Riggins
Community School of the Arts
(704) 887-0298

For Immediate Release

Creating a Love for Learning & Reading Community
School of the Arts & ArtsTeach Partner for Early Arts Education

(August 1, 2006) Charlotte, North Carolina – Community School of the Arts received $6,600 from ArtsTeach to provide an early arts literacy-based program combining age appropriate books and hands-on arts experiences to create a love of learning and excitement about reading for children. This pilot program, located at Double Oaks Pre-K, will expose children to arts-infused reading workshops where reading, discussions and art-based centers are provided to bring the story to life. The primary goal of the program is for students to demonstrate understanding of the story by completing art activities.

“Our program purpose is to prepare students to begin Kindergarten with firm literacy, math, personal and social functions for beginning school, said Cheryl Merritt, Principal of Double-Oaks Pre-K. “Our student population is a targeted one; exposure to the arts may be limited for many of our children and families. We are excited about introducing our children to the world of arts and literacy, stated Principal Merritt.

“Research conducted by the American for the Arts states that students who participate in the arts perform better in math and standardized tests, ”stated Kathy Ridge, Executive Director, Community School of the Arts. “Community School of the Arts is committed to making arts accessible for all children. This partnership with ArtsTeach provides opportunities for young children to gain exposure to art and start to develop a life-long appreciation for art,” concluded Ms. Ridge.

ArtsTeach works in partnership with Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools and the Arts & Science Council to maximize academic learning through infusion, practice and exposure to the arts. ArtsTeach recently awarded grants to organizations that work with CMS elementary, middle and high schools.

Community School of the Arts (CSA) is a non-profit provider of arts education programs in over 33 locations in the Charlotte/Mecklenburg area. Since it’s founding in 1969, CSA has remained committed to equal access to high-quality arts experiences for everyone regardless of age, race or socio-economic status. CSA provides private lessons, group instruction, family workshops, before and after school instruction, community outreach activities and summer camps. Instruction is provided in music, visual arts, early arts education, adult and senior programs and ArtsReach.

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