SJMS Receives $1000 Grant from Ohio Alliance for Arts Education

Sandra Matheny (SJMS Music Teacher) and Roxanne Holonitch (SJMS Art Teacher) have received a $1,000 grant to conduct a service learning project with the Hilliard Headstart Easter Seals Preschool. 6th graders from SJMS will be visiting preschoolers at the Hilliard Headstart once a month through the end of the year to conduct integrated art and music presentations.

At the heart of the school’s service learning project is a desire to benefit a population that is under-resourced and possess many special needs. Art serves as a medium for the children to communicate and connect that they would otherwise have difficulty doing.

6th graders from SJMS will not only enjoy creating a sock puppet opera, a helping hand tree, a parade, and a teddy bear picnic, but they will also be learning lifelong lessons in empathy, cultural awareness, and a sense of belonging in the community.

SJMS is grateful for the opportunity to conduct such meaningful service through the Franklin County Neighborhood Arts Grant program offered by the Ohio Alliance for Arts Education (OAAE).