VAPA Newsletter

December was a busy month with exhibits and especially performances throughout NLMUSD! NLMUD middle schools helped parents and guests get into the holiday spirit with entertaining plays, instrumental and choir concerts. The high schools kept the momentum going, spreading winter cheer and hope for the new year throughout the district. The 605 Marching Band started NLMUSD off on the right foot when they marched in the Pasadena Rose Parade. 2025 looks like a promising year for VAPA as teachers hit the ground running in preparation for future exhibits and performances.

Thank you to Ms. Esther Lin of Benton Middle School who provided photos of Benton's Winter performances. LIke other NLMUSD Schools, Benton held two winter concerts in December! The first winter concert showcased our Advanced and Intermediate ensembles at Excelsior auditorium, and the second winter concert featured our beginning ensembles.

Los Angeles and Pasadena are both filled with communites of artists and those who appreciate the arts very much. Some of our NLMUSD VAPA supporters might be wondering how to help artists and art workers devastated by Los Angeles wildfires. A range of art-world relief funds are trying to provide immediate aid.

Follow the link for more information:

https://www.theartnewspaper.com/2025/01/14/los-angeles-wildfire-fundraisers-support-artists-art-workers

• 1/27 Global Crayola Creativity Week

• 1/27 Visual Arts PLC Rescheduled to 2/27/25 at Benton Middle School Art Gallery

• 1/29 Lunar New Year begins - Year of the Snake 🐍
• 1/31 California Coastal Art & Poetry Contest (See VAPA Resources)
• 1/31 California Coastal Climate Storytelling Contest Entries Due- podcasts, narrative essay, or photo essays (See VAPA Resources)
• 2/7 Risk Management Logo Contest Entries Due (See VAPA Resources)

It's the year of the snake! Find some great Art Education resources here https://chinesenewyear.net/#google_vignette

Giveaways and free activities all week long! https://creativity-week.squarespace.com/

Black history month is quickly approaching. Art educators integrate a diverse array of artists into their curriculum EVERY month, but here are some additional resources in honor of Black History Month.

Center for Racial Justice in Education

National Museum of African American History & Culture

PBS Newshour Classroom

Entries due Friday, January 31st and by 5PM - California Coastal Climate Storytelling Contest Entries Due (podcasts, narrative essay, or photo essays) Due May 29th

More Info Here

Friday, February 7th - NLMUSD Risk Management Logo Contest Entries Due

CAEA Student Scholarship Applications

Application Deadline are approaching as early as March 1, 2025

Do you follow CREATE California? Create California is a great resource for finding funding sources outside of the district for field trips and professional development. CC also features lesson plans to help develop future leaders in the arts. Students can explore the intersection between civic engagement and the arts. They can learn about creative expression in visual arts, music, and performance as a stage for social change.

Help us shine a light on the talented VAPA teachers and their students across NLMUSD. The link to report events for the VAPA master calendar, monthly newsletter, and VAPA Instagram account is above. Don't forget to follow VAPA on Instagram @nlmarts. 🎭 🎨 🎶🥁💃

Please contact us for VAPA support! You can book us through Calendly links provided via email.

VAPA Hours: Mondays, alternate Wednesdays & Thursdays

Phone: Extension 102263

Jennifer Hodge (Visual)

jhodge@nlmusd.k12.ca.us

Jennifer Nitschke (Performing)

jnitschke@nlmusd.k12.ca.us