School briefs: 'A' stands for art in Stillwater district's STEAM programming

For the first time in more than a decade, Stillwater area elementary students are participating in weekly art classes this school year.

The classes, made possible by the district's Bridge to Excellence strategic plan, bring new levels of complexity to what looks like traditional arts coursework.

"Math is not taught so that we raise mathematicians, nor is art taught so students will grow up to be artists," art instructor Jason Kehrer said in a Stillwater Area Public Schools news release. "We teach art so that students will become creative and innovative — so they can become engineers, urban planners and surgeons."

Welcome, then, to STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts and math) programming, which allows students to interpret science and technology through engineering and the arts.

According to the district, fifth-graders are using time-honored tools such as construction paper, rulers and scissors not only to think creatively but also to solve problems.

"It's a lot of fun, but it's also a way to challenge yourself, too," the district quoted Timmy, a Lily Lake Elementary student, as saying. "It's sort of like a science lab. Art is all about trying new things and doing it over again if you don't get it the first time."

Specific projects have included painting a tree-lined boulevard to learn about perspective, and studying a pigment of oil paint that, in turn, provides a lesson about the geography and history of Afghanistan.

"We know that our world needs more creative and innovative thinkers, and a STEAM education is a great way to get kids to solve problems in unique ways," said Malinda Lansfeldt, the district's executive director of learning supports and elementary education.

The Mahtomedi Public Schools has launched an online reporting tool, Quick Tip, that allows students, families and others to submit anonymous tips about bullying, peer pressure and other school concerns.

The district said the tool gives administrators the ability to respond quickly to issues involving the district, schools or individual students.

"The goal of Quick Tip is to help break the code of silence often experienced by students," Superintendent Mark Larson said in a news release. "We hope that by providing an avenue for anonymous reporting, students will feel more comfortable speaking up regarding concerns or information they may have."

Students, staff members, parents and community members can access Quick Tip in the "District Resources" section of the district's website. Users can write messages, identify the school that should receive the tip and include an image, too.

The Woodbury Area Chamber of Commerce is seeking nominations for its annual Educator of the Year award.

The award is one of several to be presented at the chamber's annual community gala on Jan. 23.

Nomination forms are available at the chamber website at www.woodburychamber.org, and must be submitted by Dec. 15.