The Nugget Newspaper - News and Opinion from Sisters, Oregon

Sisters Elementary School was recently awarded a "Creative Ticket School of Excellence Award" by the Oregon Alliance for Arts Education.

The honor was one of five awards given to schools around the state. Sisters Elementary School won the award based on its arts education, student and parental involvement, community connections, and the creation and use of imaginative learning environments.

The programs and activities which helped the school win the award are: successful Oregon Arts Commission grant for the Sisters through the Eyes of Sisters Kids Booklet; increased use of the Central Oregon Artists in Residency program; extended invitation and partnerships with local artists for residencies; class projects and art displays at our school; two years of the Art Literacy program, the Art Booth, the Art Display case; the first annual Art Exhibition last year, and the creation of the after school Art Club.

The "Sisters Through the Eyes of Sisters' Kids" project, spearheaded by Paul Bennett, published a 72-page book about the history of the town of Sisters. Additionally, coffee cups and cards were created and sold throughout the community. This project integrated writing, drawing and history into the social studies curriculum.

Sisters Elementary School Art Booth created an outlet for the sales of artwork created by Sisters Elementary School students.

Deb Sether was the dominant force with this project, according to principal Tim Comfort. Students in all grades produced art projects to be sold at the booth.

In addition, students and parent volunteers staffed the booth during quilt show weekend and during the Saturday Markets held during the summer

Funds generated from the sale of the students' work were used to help pay for new playground equipment and provide artists-in-residence to all grade levels.

Parent volunteers also run an Art Literacy program which introduces all students to various artists and cultures. Artists studied include Picasso, Van Gogh, Australian Aboriginal art and Georgia O'Keefe.

In addition to learning about the artists students also work on a project in the style of the artist being presented.

Kirk Albertson has been the most actively involved staff member, Comfort said, but he credits all of the Sisters Elementary teaching staff and Dennis Orwig for their specific contributions.

"I am so proud and thankful of our students, parents, staff and community partners with our expanded arts," said Comfort. "We have a wonderful team of dedicated folks that have made a significant, positive difference for student learning and our quality school program."

The award is part of the national Kennedy Center Alliance for Arts Education Network. Comfort added that Sisters Elementary School is happy to join Sisters High School as a community art center.