Arts
The Laurelwood staff believes in meeting the needs of the whole child. We therefore encourage children to participate in a number of creative arts activities:
Art Lessons With Mrs. Villarreal ("Mrs. V")
Students have the opportunity to explore their creativity as they learn to use various art media. Our PTA sponsors visual art lessons for every grade level. Each class in grades k-5 receives 4 specialized visual art lessons per school year, within the school day, from a certificated teacher who specializes in art history and design/technique.
In the Style of O'Keefe by 4th Grade
In the Style of Matisse by 2nd Grade
Instrumental Music
The school district provides instrumental music instruction for upper grade students. Each 3rd grade classroom receives instruction within the school day, inside their own classroom, with an instrumental music teacher. Students in grades 4 and 5 have the option to participate in instrumental music lessons for both string and band instruments, in a pull-out program (i.e. outside of their regular classroom - time is dependent upon their instrument of choice), but within the school day.
In addition to specialized instruction, the arts of drama, visual art, literature, and speech are highly incorporated into daily instruction in many of our classrooms.
Nutcracker Musical
During the month of December, through the guidance of volunteers and staff members, the school puts on a special Nutcracker Musical. Laurelwood students in grades 3-5 may audition for this production in the fall and voluntarily give up their recesses, before, and after school time, for practices and rehearsals.