One of the best things about music, athletics, art and industrial arts programs in schools is they allow young people who otherwise might not shine to do so.
For many students, such programs are a major inspiration to stay in school.
That is one reason we support programs such as the Rainforest Art Project. The program has been brought to the El Centro Elementary School District by San Diego businessman and Rainforest Art Project founder Dan Evers.
One of the best things about how the project is being applied in El Centro’s Wilson Junior High is it brings “mainstream” students into class with special education students so they can work side by side and on an even playing field on art projects.
While the art they have produced has turned out to be breathtaking and will be on display for the public this weekend, one of the real values of the program is the bonds built between the young people and self-esteem increased among the special education students, school officials said. Six eighth-grade girls serve as peer mentors to 18 special education students, including two with autism, in a Special Day Class at Wilson. The mainstream students also benefit from working with the lower-functioning students, no doubt learning great lessons about compassion, patience and the different types of intelligence.
The artwork done by the students connected with Rainforest will be on display at an open house/dedication of the Rainforest Art Project ceremony Saturday at Wilson.
The event will kick off at 10:30 a.m. and will include a carne asada barbecue fundraiser and a powder puff football game pitting the school’s seventh- and eighth-grade girls against each other.
As much fun as the whole event will be, the best part may be when special education and mainstream students stand next to each other not just as students at the same school but as collaborators and friends.
THE ISSUE:
The Rainforest Art Project at Wilson Junior High in El Centro.
WE SAY:
Project builds bonds, self-esteem.
WHAT DO YOU SAY?
Send us your thoughts on this topic to www.ivpressonline.com/letterstotheeditor
For many students, such programs are a major inspiration to stay in school.
That is one reason we support programs such as the Rainforest Art Project. The program has been brought to the El Centro Elementary School District by San Diego businessman and Rainforest Art Project founder Dan Evers.
One of the best things about how the project is being applied in El Centro’s Wilson Junior High is it brings “mainstream” students into class with special education students so they can work side by side and on an even playing field on art projects.
While the art they have produced has turned out to be breathtaking and will be on display for the public this weekend, one of the real values of the program is the bonds built between the young people and self-esteem increased among the special education students, school officials said. Six eighth-grade girls serve as peer mentors to 18 special education students, including two with autism, in a Special Day Class at Wilson. The mainstream students also benefit from working with the lower-functioning students, no doubt learning great lessons about compassion, patience and the different types of intelligence.
The artwork done by the students connected with Rainforest will be on display at an open house/dedication of the Rainforest Art Project ceremony Saturday at Wilson.
The event will kick off at 10:30 a.m. and will include a carne asada barbecue fundraiser and a powder puff football game pitting the school’s seventh- and eighth-grade girls against each other.
As much fun as the whole event will be, the best part may be when special education and mainstream students stand next to each other not just as students at the same school but as collaborators and friends.
THE ISSUE:
The Rainforest Art Project at Wilson Junior High in El Centro.
WE SAY:
Project builds bonds, self-esteem.
WHAT DO YOU SAY?
Send us your thoughts on this topic to www.ivpressonline.com/letterstotheeditor
