Technology and Art a Lively Mix at Village Elementary June 25, 2008

June 25, 2008
For Immediate Release
Contact: Patty Cowan, 437-8059, ext 3

One person can make a difference and local resident and business owner Jill Hardman exemplifies that trait. She is a long time supporter of the visual and fine arts programs in Coronado’s public schools. Recently, she saw her generosity for the arts put to use in a unique way at Village Elementary when she visited the Visual and Performing Arts (VAPA) classroom of Mrs. Lissy Rooney. Ms. Hardman’s financial support, via the Coronado Schools Foundation (CSF), makes art comes alive through art-related equipment and supplies. This time she was amazed to see how technological tools greatly enhanced the art experience for a classroom of eager fourth graders.

CSF Supporter of the Arts Jill Hardman receives a scroll of thanks from 4th graders in a VAPA Class at
Village Elementary, taught by Mrs. Lissy Rooney.

CSF Executive Director Patty Cowan accompanied Ms. Hardman on the tour and was equally amazed at how technology has changed virtually every classroom to an interactive learning lab. “In 2006, thanks to the generosity of donors at the Dinner Auction, CSF raised enough funds to purchase over 20 doc-u-cams for public school classrooms. That impetus was the catalyst that has brought our school support communities together with parent teacher groups as well as CSF and various other funding sources making it possible for every classroom to have one of these tools by the fall of 2009,” said Ms. Cowan. “At a cost of $1,000 each, this certainly has been a community effort and we appreciate the private donors like Jill who have made this possible. Jill provided enough funds to not only buy the doc-u-cam but also the accompanying LCD projector,” she added.

“By purchasing the doc-u-cam for our classroom, Jill has made art interactive for every student I teach at Village. The doc-u-cam is a modern version of the overhead projector but much more versatile,” commented Mrs. Rooney. “I am able to do directed drawing lessons with the children using this amazing piece of technology. When the image is projected up on the screen each class member can look at works of art, sculptures or pictures as if they were sitting in the front row. It is an instructional time saver and eliminates the time-consuming and costly transparencies of old.  When I read literature and poems aloud, the books come alive for the children as they can see the words and illustrations up close. I am so grateful to Ms. Hardman and all of my students are as well,” she added.

Ms. Hardman was truly touched as nearly every student raised their hands to tell her of unique ways this technology has made it possible for even students in the back row to feel engaged in the lesson. As a sign of their gratitude the students presented Ms. Hardman with a beautiful scroll covered in handwritten thank you notes. Jill shared with the class that the appreciation of art is a gift, which has continually enriched her life. She then told the class, “All of you are blessed to be able to nurture the artistic skills that you possess.”

The Visual and Performing Arts Program directly supports Village’s Strategic Plan with students in kindergarten through fifth grades enjoying a unique class that provides a forum to teach art, music, dance, drama, and geography simultaneously to enrich and enhance student learning and gives grade level teachers a chance to collaborate in weekly professional learning communities. Principal Deeba Zaher commented, “Our VAPA program here at Village is amazing! Lissy Rooney incorporates all aspects of the arts through periods of history. This enrichment class is made possible for all of our 875 students by the support of our Coronado School’s Foundation and people just like Ms. Hardman. I could tell that Ms. Hardman was thrilled to see her donation of a document camera being put to use in such an educational and fun way. We loved having her visit us here at Village and would encourage others to come by to see all the wonderful teaching and learning that takes place each and every day.”

Planned Giving Circle

Ms. Hardman, owner of Art and Frames by Wood Gallery, supports school art departments annually and has joined the CSF Planned Giving Honor Society by willing her home to the Visual and Fine Arts Departments in Coronado. CSF is the vehicle for that commitment. “I encourage others to consider an estate planning gift of any amount. I will continue to ensure art is alive in our public school classrooms for years to come and this is my best way to make this happen,” said Ms. Hardman. Kate Sappenfield and Benny Chan have also joined this special group during this school year.

CSF Board Members Pat Callahan and Jeff Kob chair the Foundation’s “Planned Giving Circle.” They encourage the supporters of public school education to remember Coronado’s schools via CSF during the estate planning process. The Foundation also has an Endowment with over $800,000. “Once the Endowment reaches $1 million, two thirds of the funds generated will be used for direct school program support and the balance reinvested so, Endowment gifts are welcomed as well,” added Cowan. Every donation matters and makes a difference in the lives of our public school children. For more information, please contact Executive Director Patty Cowan at 437-8059