NEW ROCHELLE, NY — The talents of Daniel Webster Magnet School students were on display during the school’s recent Studio Arts Festival, an event which showcased their performing and visual arts aptitudes.
“Webster School prides itself on being an Arts and Humanities School, where students engage in performing and visual arts to deepen their appreciation for the arts,” said Principal Melissa Passarelli. “All students in the first through fifth grades take 10 weeks of either a performing or visual art. Their accomplishments, which we showcased in our festival, demonstrate the incredible advancements they’ve made to be more skilled in various art genres.”
Festival organizer and teacher Kathy Coyne said the arts are important because they allow students to express themselves and experience multiple perspectives in ways they don’t necessarily get to do in the classroom.
“It builds children’s ability to focus, persevere, collaborate and problem solve, and leads to an increase in confidence and a sense of pride and accomplishment,” Coyne said. “All of these outcomes can have a very positive effect on their academic achievement.”
Studio choices include weaving, needlepoint, painting with watercolors, dance, drumming, architectural design, creating art with recycled materials, drama and fun with clay.
“We looked to have a varierty of performing and visual arts represented,” Passarelli said. “Our students did an amazing job.”