Somerville Public School Volunteer, Instructor Recognized for Commitment to Arts

The following was sent by Somerville Public Schools:

SPS Volunteer and Teacher in the Spotlight:  Commitment to the Arts

Somerville Public Schools celebrates Volunteer Clare Goldsmith and Visual Arts Instructor Barbara Marder.   Ms. Goldsmith began volunteering with Somerville Public Schools in 2008 and has been joining Ms. Marder in her K-8 Kennedy School art room every Monday since then.   Ms. Goldsmith returns every week because she enjoys "being part of the spontaneity and creativity, and seeing the different ways students can express themselves through art."  A photographer, collector and painter, Clare has also been delighted with the historical perspective gained through Ms. Marder's arts classes, where projects are integrated with student curriculum, and in particular with history and culture.   Ms. Marder, who is due to retire to pursue her own arts career and help with her grandchildren, has enjoyed the classroom support and friendship with Ms. Goldsmith.  "Mondays are my best days," she says, "Clare has been a tremendous help in the classroom and working individually with students."   Somerville Public Schools wishes Ms. Marder well in her retirement (rumor has it she'll soon be volunteering with the music department), and celebrates Ms. Goldsmith's five years of volunteer service.

Somerville Public Schools welcomes volunteers to support student learning and enrichment. Visit www.somerville.k12.ma.us/volunteer to learn more. The next Volunteer Training, "Supporting Balanced Literacy," will be held Thursday, February 7 from 6:00pm to 8:00pm at the West Somerville Neighborhood School, 177 Powderhouse Blvd., Somerville.   This training is free and open to the public.  To register contact: JCapuano@k12.somerville.ma.us or 617.625.6600 x6023.