Annual Partnership Reinforces Community Partnerships Through Arts and Writing

On Wednesday, June 7, 2017, Horizons on the Hudson International Baccalaureate World School hosted the school’s Annual Poetry Out Loud event at Storm King Art Center, specifically in the North Woods section.  Students and staff, along with family members of Horizons students, were excited about this collaborative event with one of the school’s major partners. As part of the culmination, students performed their poetic pieces as an extension to Heather Hart’s interactive sculptural environment in the form of a domestic rooftop.  The event reinforces Horizons’ initiative in sustaining community partnerships that contribute to students’ achievements and family supports.

The purpose of the partnership is to integrate the arts and writing into other content areas. Storm King Art Center has continuously offered professional development throughout the past four years and over several summers at no cost to Horizons teachers. Professional development focuses on visual thinking strategies and connections to the world including integration with STEAM. Storm King staff members worked with fifth graders in guiding them to become trained docents and facilitators for other Horizons grade levels when visiting the art center, in addition to working with all grade levels in connecting art to our curriculum.  In addition, Storm Kings plays a role in providing transportation to increase family engagement and maintain the initiative’s momentum. 

This year, students from Newburgh Free Academy West also took part in the celebration by performing their own poetry for Horizons students. NFA West students are hopeful that there will be opportunities for partnerships with Storm King next year.

“The Horizons on the Hudson family is truly blessed to have a partnership with the Storm King Art Center. Access and exposure to a world renowned art institution has benefitted us greatly,” shared Horizons on the Hudson Principal Lisa Buon.