Visual Arts

Thanks to strong parent leadership and artistic skills, all K-5 th grade students receive art appreciation and creative expression lessons on a regular basis. An art specialist, Miss Tess, financially supported by our Education Foundation (parent donations), does direct draw lessons in every classroom four times throughout the year. We also have our “Meet the Master” program which introduces the students to four classic artists a year. This starts with an assembly where the artist’s history and works are shared, then the art docents and classroom teachers follow up with materials and lessons in every single classroom. Finally, classroom teachers provide many art experiences integrated into their educational lessons and projects.

Music Program

Tassajara Hills has an extensive music program with a full time music teacher funded by both the District and our school Education Foundation (parent donations). K-3 rd grade students receive weekly music skill and appreciation lessons, while 4 th and 5 th graders all have choral instruction in addition to voluntary instrument instruction during the school day. All 3 rd graders learn to play a basic recorder instrument. 1 st-3 rd graders have the option of being part of the primary chorus that meets during the child’s slip reading time. All students have the opportunity to participate in at least one extensive music play productions that highlight solo and group singing, dancing, and drama with professional sound and lighting. Our students become very comfortable being on the stage and speaking and singing in front of a microphone. Tassajara Hills Education Foundation funds have supported the purchase of risers and upgraded professional sound and lighting systems. Tassajara Hills became a State Distinguished Fine Arts School (1 of only 16 elementary schools in the state) in 2000.