Van Wezel Spearheads MATH THROUGH THE ARTS Series at Brentwood Elementary

Teachers from Sarasota County are taking part in the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall's first professional development program of the 2013-2014 season. The Van Wezel, which has been partners with the Sarasota County School Board for more than 16 years through the John F. Kennedy Center's Partners in Education Program, currently providing an in depth "Math through the Arts" study to Brentwood Elementary students. "Brentwood Elementary seemed like a natural choice for this endeavor, as Principal Weida has stepped up as a champion for arts integration at his school. We are excited to share with him how movement and the arts can be a part of all subjects," said Kelli Bragdon, Director of Education and Community Engagement for the Van Wezel.

The study kicked-off with teachers taking part in the Van Wezel's first professional development offering of the season, Math Moves! With Kimberli Boyd on October 1st. Following the teacher workshops, Kimberli worked with an individual class of 4th grade and 5th grade students in order to model various techniques and strategies for the teachers observe. Kelli Bragdon noted, "this was truly an opportunity to teach in, through, and about the arts. As teachers learn new strategies integrating math and movement, they will see first-hand how they are applied to real learning situations." Lastly, all 4th and 5th grade students and teachers will attend a performance of The Math Maniac Show at the Van Wezel which will tie all the concepts together in a variety show. The students are able to attend The Math Maniac through the Hall's "Pay it Forward" award and the Van Wezel Foundation. The program provides an opportunity for the Van Wezel to continue its educational engagement initiative which reaches approximately 25,000 students each year.

For more information about the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall's education programs, contact Margaret Lindsey at 941-955-7676 ext. 2243 or email Margaret.Lindsey@sarasotagov.com.