Letter to the Editor
Dear Community Partner,
Norris Elementary School is proud to be on track to become the first Nationally Certified Arts Integration elementary school in the country. This distinction reflects years of intentional work, collaboration, and a deep commitment to providing students with meaningful, creative learning experiences.
Arts integration is a research-based instructional approach that intentionally connects arts standards with academic standards in core subjects such as math, science, reading, and social studies. This approach is not an “extra,” but a powerful way to increase engagement, strengthen comprehension, and build student confidence.
Over the past eight years, NES has worked diligently to strengthen both our arts integration practices and our arts programming. Our goal is not only to provide music and visual art as part of every child’s schedule, but also to expand opportunities in STEAM, dance, and theater so that every student has access to a well-rounded, creative education.
One of the most impactful parts of this vision has been our partnership with Dream Dance Studio. For the past four years, owner and dance instructor Mrs. Olivia Hill has faithfully come to NES each Thursday to provide high-quality dance instruction to our students.
Movement is essential for elementary students. Dance supports physical fitness, coordination, balance, and overall health. Beyond fitness, it provides a powerful outlet for creative self-expression. Through movement, students build confidence, develop perseverance, collaborate with peers, and discover new ways to communicate ideas and emotions.
As we continue building and sustaining this programming, we are seeking funding support from our local community to ensure this partnership can continue. Your contribution would directly impact our students by helping us maintain consistent, high-quality dance instruction as part of their educational experience. We are incredibly proud of the work happening at Norris Elementary and grateful for the community that supports us. Together, we can continue to provide innovative, arts-rich opportunities for our students.
If you have questions or would like to discuss how you can support this initiative, please reach out to Alison Greenhouse at agreenhouse@acs.ac.
Thank you for investing in the children of Norris Elementary School.
Sincerely,
Alison Greenhouse, Art Teacher
Arts Integration Specialist
Norris Elementary School
