The Highland Central School District joined schools across the country in celebrating National Arts in Education Week, an annual event that highlights the critical role the arts play in student success. The weeklong observance recognizes how artistic expression fosters creativity, builds confidence, and strengthens academic achievement—both inside and outside the classroom.

At Highland Elementary School,Grade 1 students in Ericka Babineau’s art classes kicked off the school year by sketching self-portraits. Through this project, students learned to carefully observe details, explore their individuality, and take pride in creating a work that is uniquely their own. 

The celebration continued at Highland Middle School, where students in Christina Osburn’s art classes looked to nature for inspiration. Using flowers as their subject, they practiced observation and drawing skills while discovering how art can help them connect with the world around them. At the High School, students in Noel Polack’s photography class had the opportunity to step behind a professional camera for the first time. Experimenting with perspective, light, and composition, they began learning how to transform ordinary moments into original works of art.

From self-portraits to flower sketches to photographs, each project reflected the power of the arts to help students learn, grow, and shine!