Our Moving Matters! residency at Parkville Community School is now underway. JDPP teaching artists are exploring movement and visual arts with students in the 3^rd and 4^th grades. The theme for this residency is “I have a Voice,” based on the book, Change Sings by Amanda Gorman.

JDPP’s Moving Matters! Residency is more important than ever as so many arts programs have been cut from school budgets. 93% of students in our programs say they look forward to the class each week. Students said that they felt excited, inspired, energized, and focused after their Moving Matters! class.

Teachers said that their students were more aware of their behavior, more supportive of each other, and better at completing tasks after the weekly sessions. Not only does the program have positive effects on the students, but teachers also said that they bonded more with their students and gained more confidence in incorporating these approaches themselves by participating.

As the students work weekly on creating their final presentation, teaching artists are asking them to keep in mind several questions: What change do you think is needed? Why does it matter or why is it important? What could you do to make that happen? What would the outcome of this change be? The students’ responses will help shape the story that accompanies each class presentation.

At the end of the 8-week residency, the students will gather at Trinity College to present their final class dances and art projects with the joy and enthusiasm that makes this program so special. Yes, the arts do matter!

Being exposed to new ideas/people/projects opens the door for opportunities. My students and I can connect on a different level because you all opened the door for us. —ELAMS Teacher