i signed up for more info about a school program that i was really interested in last year. i thought i t was a 1 week commitment. umm no!!

Hello and thank you for your interest in the Art Goes to School program.

AGTS is volunteer organization whose members bring art appreciation and art history to elementary school students. The primary purpose of the program is to help children discover for themselves an enjoyment and understanding of art. Each year, members from our chapter visit all 10 public schools in the West Chester Area School District (plus Sts. Simon and Jude) reaching more than 5,000 children.

No art background or experience is necessary; training and materials are provided. The training sessions are held alternating weeks at 9:15-11:45am in the W. Goshen Township Building at the corner of Paoli Pike and Five Points Rd. There are 5 sessions between September and mid November. Each year we receive a diverse portfolio of 15-20 artwork reproductions, spanning ancient art through modern and current art with everything in between. Presentations of several of the pieces are made at each session followed by group discussion. Volunteers also receive a manual with comprehensive information on the artists and their works.

Between January and May, our chapter spends a full week at each school presenting to the children (grades 1-5) during their regularly scheduled art class. Each volunteer typically visits one class each week, so it's at most 11 classes in all (the 10 public schools plus Sts. Simon & Jude). You may also present to you own child's class if you wish. We only schedule school visits during full weeks (i.e. not during holiday weeks or weeks with assemblies or field trips), so our schedule fluctuates -- some weeks on, some weeks off. During the classroom visits, our volunteers engage the children by doing age-appropriate games and activities with them. We review these activities (and often develop new ones) during the training sessions. You'll also have an opportunity to observe several classes before going out on your own.

In addition, Art Goes to School offer enriching lectures for the volunteers throughout the year. They are optional and not directly related to the portfolio, but are very worthwhile.

If this sounds like a program that may appeal to you, and the time commitment meets your availability, please feel free to contact me for more information. Thanks for your interest. I look forward to hearing from you.


but isnt it great???
i'll have to see if i can bring audrey to the training sessions