Chester Park Faculty Meet & Greet

In FY27, the Chester County School District is restructuring 3 of the current elementary schools (Arts, Technology, & Inquiry) into 2 schools (Primary & Intermediate).  On May 5, 2026, the faculty of what will be Chester Park Primary School next year met for a meet & greet faculty meeting to begin the collaborative effort of the restructuring plan.  This activity was the ice breaker for the meeting, as some of the faculty knew each other, but others did not.  The Kindergarten, 1st grade, and 2nd grade teachers from the 3 current schools all met together. A set of Climer Cards was spread out on the front table and individuals were instructed to pick up a card that resonated with them as they entered. The directions for the icebreaker activity can be found in the power point in this folder..  This was a fun introduction to arts integration for those who were unfamiliar and an opportunity for those who regularly integrate the arts to demonstrate the concept in a non-threatening, light-hearted manner.

Philosophical Framework Connection and rationale

This artifact demonstrates all 3 framework connections.  Inspiring Creativity because teams had to work together to create something in a short amount of time with the use of an art-based tool.  Making Connections because it allowed teachers from all 3 schools to work together in a new capacity and connect with each other. Defining Culture because, although it is not going to be in the name, Chester Park Primary School will have a culture that focuses on the arts and arts integration in the K-2nd grade classrooms.

Connection to the Arts Education Strategic Plan

This artifact represents Goal 2 (Arts specialists and classroom teachers will improve their professional skills and knowledge to more effectively implement standards-based lessons in arts and academic classes.), Objective 1 (Visual and performing arts teachers and classroom teachers will participate in professional development opportunities.), Action Step 1 (Teachers will attend online and in-person arts integration professional development.).  This artifact indicates success toward this goal by giving an introduction and short demonstration to those unfamiliar with arts integration strategies and the chance for those with AI experience to share that knowledge in a small group setting.

SC Standards Addressed

Visual Art

Creative Process: Connecting

Anchor Standard: I can relate visual arts ideas to other arts disciplines, content areas, and careers.

Benchmark: VA.C.NH.7: I can apply visual art concepts and skills among arts disciplines, other content areas, and related careers.

Indicator: VA.C.NH.7.1: I can identify ways visual arts concepts and skills are applied in other subjects in my school.

2nd Grade English/Language Arts

ELA.C.3: Write narratives to develop real or imagined experiences using effective techniques.

Name and title of contributor(s): 

Shana Harper, Principal and Jenny Stender, Literacy Coach