Hello Newcastle Families! 

I’d like to introduce the newly named LionArt Docent Program at Newcastle Elementary and funded by our wonderful PTSA. 

Did you know … research shows that students, who are exposed to art throughout their school career, demonstrate higher skills in the areas of reading and language, math and critical thinking? 

Our LionArt Program offers a basic visual arts education throughout the school year, creating a positive learning environment, exposing students to the wonders of art through fun and creative processes and ultimately, creating a greater motivation to learn.

Our new mission statement …“Creating Motivation of Learning Through Art” … reflects the efforts of every student in our school and many parent volunteers who go into the classrooms each month to teach unique art lessons; some of which are tied to the current curriculum, other projects are taught … just for the fun of it!  

The kids learn about different artists, art history, and art styles in a variety of mediums; like working with Oil Pastels and Water Colors; tooling Copper; fusing Glass and creating works of art from a simple slab of Clay.  We even have our very own Kiln (which was donated by funds from our PTSA) to fire our clay and glass projects.

Tracy Haselman is our Artist-in-Residence, and presents a famous artist and/or art style to each grade throughout the year.  She started with 5th grade in October, where they learned about drawing using an  “One Point Perspective” method; currently,
the 4th grade is learning about the “Kahnweiler Portraits” by Picasso.

The next time you’re at the school, check out the sampling of the current projects from each of the grades in the Front Office or take an “Art Walk” through the halls of our school to see what our kids have proudly been creating, while being motivated to learn through art! 

Laura Derwin

Newcastle Art Docent Chair