During National Arts in Education Week, Claremore Public Schools celebrates the essential role the arts play in educating, inspiring, and preparing students for life.
Throughout CPS, the arts are intentionally incorporated into the K–12 educational experience. From their earliest years, students encounter music, visual art, movement, storytelling, and creative expression in ways that strengthen classroom learning, expand their understanding of the world, and help them discover new interests and abilities.
As students grow, so do their opportunities. Those who discover a passion or purpose in the arts can pursue more focused and challenging courses in areas such as visual art, band, choir, theatre, and other creative disciplines. These experiences allow students to deepen their knowledge, refine their skills, and explore pathways that may influence their future education and careers.
However, arts education is about much more than developing performance or artistic talent.
The arts teach students to communicate ideas, solve problems, collaborate with others, accept feedback, and persevere when something does not come easily. Students learn the discipline required to practice and improve, the courage to share their work, and the confidence to express themselves. They also develop empathy by exploring experiences and perspectives beyond their own.
Whether students are performing on stage, creating in the classroom, rehearsing with an ensemble, or working behind the scenes, they are developing skills that will serve them far beyond graduation.
The arts also create a place for every student. Some discover a talent they never knew they had. Others find a community where they feel connected and valued. For many, the arts provide a voice, a sense of belonging, or a purpose that strengthens their entire school experience.
At Claremore Public Schools, we believe educating students means developing the whole person. Arts education supports academic growth while also nurturing creativity, confidence, discipline, empathy, and connection. These qualities prepare students not only for their next class, performance, or competition, but for college, careers, relationships, and life.
During National Arts in Education Week, we celebrate our talented students and dedicated fine arts educators. We also celebrate the lasting impact of arts education and the many ways it helps every Zebra learn, grow, and discover where they belong.
Passed by Congress in 2010, National Arts in Education Week is designated to highlight the benefits of and need for the arts in education. The importance of arts education is evident, both anecdotally in our everyday lives and through a wealth of high-quality research. In fact, a recent study of Virginia Public Schools shows that career arts students (four years of arts instruction) have up to 50 percent lower chronic absenteeism rates as compared to non-career arts students (Arts Education Data Project, 2024)....As we witness the joy and growth that visual and performing arts education brings to our students, we're reminded that these programs build confident, engaged learners who will carry these benefits with them long after graduation. Let's continue championing arts education year-round, ensuring every student has access to creative, transformative experiences.