MISSISSIPPI WHOLE SCHOOLS

Mississippi Whole Schools, a program of the Mississippi Arts Commission, is Mississippi’s first comprehensive statewide arts education program which uses the arts as a vehicle for promoting high-quality instruction and learning for students in all disciplines. Students learn academic concepts through arts-based instruction.

Saint Richard Catholic School has a rich tradition in the arts. Our work with Mississippi Whole Schools is supported through the Mississippi Arts Commission. This partnership brings artists and educators together for collaboration to integrate the arts into all aspects of the curriculum, to provide professional development for teachers to effectively use the arts to engage all learners, and to allow students at Saint Richard to receive enriching arts experiences through dance, music, visual art, and drama. We are continually recognized by the Mississippi Arts Commission Schools Initiative Model School for our outstanding work in integrating the arts throughout our curriculum and throughout our school culture.

The Kennedy Center defines arts integration as an approach to teaching in which students construct and demonstrate understanding through an art form. Students engage in a creative process which connects an art form and another subject area and meets evolving objectives in both. Our teachers utilize this approach to extend learning for all students and to meet the needs of our diverse body of learners. Students reach higher levels of learning and thinking as they apply their knowledge through an art form.

“Every child is an artist. The problem is how to remain an artist once we grow up.” -Pablo Picasso