Diablo Valley – Receives Recognition for Elementary Arts Discovery Program

Students’ Cave Art, Masks and Still Life works have transformed the school’s library into an art gallery showcase.

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In photo above, School Principal Dr. Cathy Chan and kindergarten teacher Autumn Ayllon thank Elementary Arts Discovery Chairman Lynn De Jonghe and Assistance League of Diablo Valley President Lesley Salo for bringing joy through art to the Shore Acres Elementary School community.

Since 1967, member volunteers of Assistance League of Diablo Valley, a nonprofit member volunteer organization, have improved lives in our community through their hands-on programs. These programs are primarily funded by Assistance League Way Side Inn Thrift Shop, located at 3521 Golden Gate Way, in Lafayette. One relatively new program, which offsets school budget cuts, Elementary Arts Discovery, encourages elementary schoolchildren to build self-esteem by expressing themselves creatively, i.e., by “thinking outside the box.”

Assistance League of Diablo Valley’s Elementary Arts Discovery Chairman Lynn De Jonghe had earlier reported that member volunteers attended extensive training sessions in order to help elementary schoolchildren gain an awareness not only of the various types of art, but an appreciation of the artists, as well.

At Assistance League of Diablo Valley regular meeting in October, Shore Acres Elementary School Principal Dr. Cathy Chan and kindergarten teacher Autumn Ayllon narrated a PowerPoint presentation that resulted in kindergarten, second-grade and fifth-grade students’ enthusiasm and awe of the world of art. Dr. Chan also asserted that the overall effort of the Elementary Arts Discovery connects with the Common Core State Standards in terms of project-based learning as it fortifies social emotional learning and mindfulness.

Ms. Ayllon shared that when her kindergarten students collectively drew a picture of an 18-foot bull on the school’s playground in order to appreciate the enormity typical of cave art, they rushed home and returned to school with their parents so that they, too, could enjoy an appreciation of the art form. Imagine the pride that both children and parents felt!

Both educators thanked Assistance League of Diablo Valley for its support in staffing volunteers and providing art supplies for the program. Not surprisingly, all in attendance agreed that the Elementary Arts Discovery program will soon be a part of other elementary schools’ curriculum. To learn about all of Assistance League of Diablo Valley’s philanthropic programs, please visit this website: diablovalley.assistanceleague.org.