Dr. Charles R. Drew Elementary School has won a national award for its exemplary arts education program. Drew was one of five schools in the nation chosen as John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts National Schools of Distinction in Arts Education for their work during the 2007–2008 school year. Selection criteria include providing imaginative learning environments, involving parents, promoting learning about other cultures and encouraging community connections.

The arts are an integral part of the school program at Drew. Along with Potomac and Kensington Parkwood elementary schools, Drew is an Arts Integration Model Elementary Schools in Montgomery County and a recipient of a three-year U.S. Department of Education grant for arts integration.

Using art, music, dance/movement and theater strategies in the classroom is an everyday occurrence at Drew. Students start each day listening to music and learn about different composers and genres during morning announcements. Teachers often incorporate drama into literature and social studies lessons. Students develop thinking skills by observing and analyzing art work. The school’s annual arts night showcases students’ talents.

“I think we won because we have a commitment to arts education,” said Shelley Johnson, arts integration lead teacher at Drew. “The teachers are willing to bring the arts into the classroom, and the arts team brings the curriculum into their setting. We have a common goal, and it has become a part of our School Improvement Plan.”

Professional development is a large component to the success of Drew’s arts program, Johnson says. All professional staff have made a commitment to arts integration by continuing their professional development in areas such as attending conferences, participating in study groups, being a mentor or taking a course related to arts integration. This past summer, for example, teachers participated in three different arts integration residency programs, where they made connections between the curriculum and the arts.

Community and parental support also are key. Last year a partnership was established with Olney Theatre Center, and second graders’ original opera was performed on the Olney stage. This year, fourth and fifth grade musicals will be performed there. The school also has a range of artists-in-residence during the school year, including a partnership with the Montgomery County Arts and Humanities Council. The Maryland State Arts Council and the school PTA fund artists as well.

During the past school year, Drew initiated a task force to develop a school arts integration vision statement and set goals for the future. This year, the team will be working on a mission statement and guidelines for a five-year arts integration plan.

The national award winners were selected from the schools nominated by their State Alliance for Arts Education. The award is presented by the Creative Ticket School Awards Program of the Kennedy Center Alliance for Arts Education Network. Each winning school will receive a monetary award to support its arts education program.