Parkwood named School of Excellence in Arts Education

Parkwood Principal Laura Ploudre', right accepts Arts Education award
Photo courtesy Shoreline Schools

ArtsEd Washington (ArtsEd WA), in partnership with the Association of Washington School Principals (AWSP) has selected Parkwood Elementary in Shoreline as a winner of the second annual Schools of Excellence in Arts Education Award, honoring K-12 schools providing exemplary arts education to their students.

The award was presented to Parkwood Principal Laura Ploudre' at the June 25 Shoreline School Board meeting. 

In making the award to Parkwood, they cited its 15-year commitment to the arts, growing its program from two and three teachers to now having all staff engaged in ongoing arts integration. Arts instruction goals are a standard part of the school plan. The arts are offered within the school day, and lessons are aligned with standards. Community partnerships have helped expand school programming, such as with the Seattle Dance Project that resulted in 12 months of dance instruction for every student and included many student performances.

Parkwood and Adams Elementary in Seattle were specifically chosen for making all components of the arts --dance, music, theater and visual arts -- an essential part of their students' education. 

"It is important to celebrate schools, such as these, that are taking active and intentional steps to ensure students receive instruction in the arts during school hours - required learning by law in Washington state," said Una McAlinden, executive director for ArtsEd Washington. "The commitment of the school principals and teachers to provide the arts equitably is critical to the long-term sustainability of these programs and ensures that every student reaps the many benefits of sustained arts participation." 

"With the new expectations of principals and teachers on the evaluation front, the arts are going to be more important than ever," said Gary Kipp, AWSP's Executive Director. "We commend the work of these schools and their respective building leaders who continue to pave the way for arts integration."

The Schools of Excellence in Arts Education Awards are inspired by a program of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts and is open to all K-12 schools throughout Washington state with exemplary arts education programs.

About ArtsEd Washington

ArtsEd Washington is a nonprofit organization devoted to advancing and increasing arts education in K-12 schools, working to ensure that all students in Washington state have access to a complete education that includes the arts: dance, music, theatre, and visual art. ArtsEd Washington is a member of the Kennedy Center Alliance for Arts Education Network. www.artsedwashington.org.

About Association for Washington School Principals

The Association of Washington School Principals is a professional association serving principals, assistant principals and principals in training. Formed in 1972, the association includes more than 3,400 members from public and private elementary, middle and high schools statewide. It is governed by a board of practicing principals drawn from the elementary, middle and high school levels.