Falkner becomes first school in state to be awarded Art in Action grant
The Falkner Elementary art program, led by art and music rotation teacher Amy Bain, is receiving a boost, as they have been chosen as the first ever recipient in Mississippi of the Judy Sleeth Art in Action Scholarship Fund Grant. The school received their first shipment of art supplies today, October 30th, 2019. Falkner was one of only six school in the country to be awarded.
The mission of Art in Action is to make sure all children have access to art education. In recognition of Judy Sleeth, a parent, teacher, and curriculum developer, and her passion and service, Art in Action has established the Judy Sleeth Scholarship Fund to bring this popular program to underserved schools. The Fund provided each selected school with this innovative art history, art creation program, including materials and training.
Falkner applied for the program earlier this year and was notified last month that they were one of the winners. They received Access to the online grade level curriculum and the Art in Action Program supplements including all art materials needed to teach 12 complete lessons, training for every member of the Art in Action teaching team at Falkner and all year teaching support in the development of a sustainability plan for art at Falkner Elementary.
“We are really blessed to receive the Judy Sleeth Art in Action Scholarhip,” Mrs. Bain, in her second year leading the art and music program at Falkner, said. “I had been searching for any and all possible grants for our school and was lucky to find this one. Without these resources and the continued support of [North Tippah Superintendent] Mr. Brand and [Falkner Elementary Principal] Mrs. Harris we would not be able to allow our students to pursue the arts. We are now much better equipped to serve our students with these resources.”
Pictured with Mrs. Bain while unboxing the first of the supplies being sent to the school, valued at close to $7000, are Ally March, Kaylee Estes and Graydon Newby, all art and music program students at Falkner.
