At Fishkill Elementary School, grade 1 is the beginning of the
comprehensive, instructional program in art that continues through 5th grade.
The elementary art curriculum in the W.C.S.D. was developed to address
the "Learning Standards for the Arts" set up by the New York State Education
Department. The students meet with a certified art specialist for two 40-
minute periods of instruction in each six day cycle. Through the elementary
curriculum, the student will develop an aesthetic appreciation of art,
improve self-esteem through positive art experiences, develop self-
expression, become a critical thinker, learn and appreciate master artists
and become familiar with related careers in the art world.
The art that is created by the students at Fishkill Elementary is
proudly displayed throughout the school and every May there is a Festival of
the Arts, in the neighboring Messier Park, which showcases the talents of
every student in our district. Whenever possible, the art specialist works
with the classroom teachers to enhance or supplement their program with an
appropriate art project. It is important for the students to see how art
relates to every area in their lives, not just academically but also as a
form of self-expression with no boundaries.