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About LASF: Programs

Art

The aim of LASF’s art program is to provide our students with qualitative, realistic art education through proven, imaginative art teaching and evaluative criteria. The hallmark of LASF art enrichment is the guidance of students as they express themselves visually. The purpose, scope, structure and continuity of each lesson provide for sequential learning experiences.  The purpose, scope, structure and continuity of each lesson lend themselves to the sequential learning experiences found in art education. The philosophy of guiding students as they express themselves visually is the hallmark of LASF art enrichment.

Art as an adventure,
a science and a discipline
with its own singular skills,
its own unique core of learning,
and its own incomparable rewards.

LASF’s art program offers students the opportunity to understand, interpret and appreciate the visual arts and to explore their creative potential through hands-on art projects. Our program’s emphasis is on exploration and manipulation of art materials, along with an exposure to a new visual language, perceptions, materials and the world of art and artists. Each year, students view and discuss various works of art from different periods and cultures.

Art provides students with intellectual, creative and emotional experiences that connect them to a common core of knowledge and to their cultural heritage in ways not possible in any other area of the curriculum. In this framework, the goals, objectives and teaching activities for each grade level have been designed to develop art concepts sequentially and to provide experience in various media.
As students learn to recognize, discuss and work with art, they come to an understanding that enables them to build a foundation for making judgments about its form, content, technique and purpose. Discussion, critical analysis and observation of art also provide a basis for understanding, supporting and enjoying the visual arts — now and throughout their lifetimes.

Art at the elementary level includes hands-on art classes.  Specially trained LASF art instructors, some working professional artists in their own right, teach art lessons covering a range of artists, styles and media. Children learn about art history, criticism, aesthetics and production, and then go on to create their own masterpieces!  The year culminates with an art fair, held at each school, as well as each student bringing his or her art portfolio home.  To read more about the elementary art program, please click here!

At Stanley, student Egyptologists create sarcophagi, while others participate in Chinese brush painting and bookbinding.  To read more about the Middle School  art program, please click here!


At Acalanes, LASF provides funding for art supplies for classes, special projects and the Artist-In-Residence program. LASF also supports video production, graphic design, and fabrication.  
       

       

  • Chinese brush painting
  • Sculptures and ceramics
  • Printmaking
  • Bookbinding
  • Annual Art Fair
  • Portraiture, still life and figure drawing
  • Art history/visual literacy
  • Watercolor relief
  • Cave art
  • Artists-in-Residence
  • Support through material/supply purchases
  • Skill development

 

Science, Health & Math

LASF’s science program is a dynamic and imperative component of your child’s education. Through high-quality classroom instruction, LASF provides each elementary and intermediate school class with thought-provoking, hands-on science experience. Mini labs in each classroom support regular curricula through the presentation of a wide range of high-interest, material intensive units.


At the high-school level, LASF continues to enrich science education through equipment purchases and innovative programs.

                                                              

                                                      I hear and I forget.

                                                      I see and I remember.

                                                      I do and I understand.

        This old Chinese proverb illustrates the importance of  the hands-on element of the labs in our science programs.  The classroom teacher, the science lab specialist or science teacher and the LASF science instructor all work together to provide our children with the best science curricula available.  If any of these components are missing, our children lose their scientific edge, so vitally needed for their future.

       Student ArtAt the elementary schools and Stanley Middle School, science instructional programs provide more than 900 hours of hands-on science for grades K-5 and more than 350 hours for grades 6-8. Topics explored range from anatomy to environmental science.

        Science fairs held at all elementary schools and Rube Goldberg Competitions or Science Expo at Stanley allow students to explore questions of interest, explore science ideas, and experiment.  Actual scientists don lab coats, interview budding scientists and award prizes.

        At Acalanes, LASF supports science through the purchase of microscopes and lab equipment, field trips, and the creation of the new Riparian Classroom. Funded through an LASF Special Allocation Grant, biology students will experience fieldwork via hands-on data collection.

 

  • Science fairs and Expos
  • Senses
  • Tools of Science
  • Physiology and Biology
  • Exploring our Earth, Geology and Rocks & Crystals
  • Life in a Drop of Pond Water
  • Chemistry
  • Purchase of supplies
  • Microbiology
  • Physical sciences
  • Heart Dissection/Brain Study
  • Optic Topics
  • Math Coaching/Math Competitions
  • Electricity
  • Guest lecturers

The Humanities

       Humanities education includes support in literature, languages and social studies.  Student ArtworkAt the elementary level, LASF's Instructor Program introduces students to multi-cultural experiences as they learn about everything from Chinese New Year and Chinese culture, to Native California and its indiginous peoples.  History is showcased in units on the Gold Rush and a tour of Lafayette history. 

At Stanley Middle School, the Writing for Mastery Program provides tutorial writing for 6th and 7th grade students.  Lafayette School District, uses technology to promote student writing.  Foreign language tutors and instructors at Stanley offer students the opportunity to expand their language skills and immerse themselves in the culture through special projects. 
       

        At Acalanes, LASF funds support Mock Trial, Academic Decathlon and Model U.N. We also continue the high school Writing for Mastery tutorial program for all history students. LASF brings California Poets in the Schools, the nation's largest creative writing program, to all 10th graders. 


  • California Poets in the Schools
  • Native American studies
  • Gold Rush
  • Chinese New Year
  • Family and ethnic heritage
  • Model U.N.
  • Lafayette history
  • Historical Figures
  • Writing for Mastery
  • Cultural Arts instructors
  • Foreign Language Tutors
  • Cultural events

Music & Drama

LASF helps fund choral music, instrumental music and drama. Student ArtwrokLASF co-funds choral music for all elementary grades and expands funding for instrumental music teaching aides for 4th and 5th grades at all elementary schools.
        At Stanley Middle School , Barrett Lindsay-Steiner has developed a musical theater program with both original work and well-known works.  LASF has contributed to the new grand piano, and supports instrumental music through music aides and the purchase of sheet music.
        And at Acalanes, experts in improvisation provide workshops for drama students, and LASF helps support the annual musical by funding the accompanist, choreographer and director. This year, LASF will fund new instruments for classroom use.
  • Choral music instruction
  • Ethnic dance
  • Wildcats-on-Stage
  • Master classes
  • Instrumental music aides
  • Jazz workshops
  • California Symphony in the School
  • Musicians-in-Residence program
  • Orchestra and band festivals
  • Sheet music
  • Music accompanist
  • Contribution to the grand piano

Technology

        LASF-funded technology plays a role in all subject areas in our schools.    

        LASF funds teacher in-service programs, including the Lafayette School District teacher training program. At Stanley, LASF supports technology through technology designated funds and contributes to the MY Access! writing programs.
       

        LASF also supplies funds for a video production elective class at Stanley and a graphic digital design class at Acalanes.

   

  • Computerized workshop microrouter
  • Video production materials
  • Hardware and software
  • Graphic design
  • Teacher training to bring technology into the classroom


The paintings on this page were reproduced from original art created by students of Lafayette public schools made in LASF art classes or in art classes supported by LASF funding.


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Copyright LASF 1998-2003. All rights reserved. Updated 08/19/05.