PHMS spotlights fine arts at first Arts in Basic Curriculum day

Lexington, SC - Pleasant Hill Middle School hosted its first Arts in Basic Curriculum Day for eighth grade students, demonstrating how fine arts plays a role in all subject areas.

This year’s theme, Livin’ Lovin’ and Learnin’, focused on South Carolina’s eighth grade social studies standards. Students traveled to different stations around the school, learning about history and examples of fine arts happening right where they live. Activities included learning the state dance and heading outdoors to draw illustrations of things that represent South Carolina.

As an Arts in Basic Curriculum school, PHMS staff members work diligently to ensure there is a strong and dedicated arts program integrated into core classrooms. As part of this initiative, the school’s ABC steering committee decided that full integration days in each grade level would prove extremely beneficial to their students. Sixth and seventh grades will also have an ABC day in the future.

PHMS received an $11,097 Arts in Basic Curriculum Advancement grant this year from the South Carolina Arts Commission’s Arts in Education grant program. Using this funding dedicated to the arts, schools can invite artists-in-residence to show students career opportunities and incorporate arts education into core subject areas,as well as provide professional learning opportunities for teachers.