Van Wezel's Classroom Connection Program Receives Grant

The Van Wezel Foundation and the Van Wezel Education and Community Engagement Department's Classroom Connections to the Arts Program is grateful to receive a $3,000 grant from the Harold C. and Jacqueline Bladel Foundation. The Classroom Connections to the Arts Program is now in its third year and promotes learning and collaboration through arts integrated teaching strategies. It encourages dialogue between two schools from different socioeconomic backgrounds who otherwise would have little or no interaction. Students are introduced to one another through letters as pen pals or through videoconferencing and then attend a Schooltime Performance together at the Van Wezel, which is followed by special arts activities. As students interact in a workshop setting, they address not only academic needs of the school curriculum but also develop their social understanding and communication skills while exploring the themes of the theatre production.

The program has had great success to date, facilitating prolonged relationships through partnering schools promoting a sense of community and citizenship. After attending the Schooltime Performance students continue to connect through video-conferencing in the classroom, students and teachers continue their exploration of the arts through associated lessons and sharing with their partner school throughout the year.

Last season the participating Sarasota schools were, Southside Elementary and Gocio Elementary. This grant will allow the 2015/16 season to continue the program within Sarasota County.

"We are thrilled to be able to continue Classroom Connections in Sarasota next year. This program provides students with a chance to interact and collaborate in a meaningful way with other students in their community."- Kelli Maldonado, Director of Education & Community Engagement.