ACT: Some frequently asked questions

What is the aim of the ACT Committee?

The ACT Committee (Arts Created Together) organizes and runs arts enrichment programs, which are developed with input from the ACT Committee, teachers, parents and members of other elementary school arts coordinators. There are two types of performances brought to Fiske, all-school and grade-specific.

All-school programs often reflect issues and priorities for the school year as identified by the Principal, such as diversity, heroism, and social competency. In general, up to four all-school programs are held at fairly regular intervals, and include dance, music, storytelling, theater and fine arts. In addition, a parent-initiated program, the Classical Café, brings local musicians to Fiske to perform during the students’ lunch period. Four Cafés are usually planned each year.

Grade-specific programs supplement the Fiske curriculum, and are often interdisciplinary, integrating different academic goals. These are arranged with input from each teacher and the Principal. Some programs, such as Chinese Ribbon Dancing and Native American Perspectives, have been coming to Fiske for years and are an integral part of the curriculum. In other grades, new programs may be incorporated to reflect changing needs or curricular priorities.

What is the ACT budget?

ACT programs are funded primarily through the Walk for the Arts, a community-building event held in mid-October. ACT Committee members serve as Walk Chairs to organize the event. Between $7,000 and $10,000 is raised, and used for the following year’s programs (for instance, funds raised in October 2005 are used to plan for and budget programs for the 2006-2007 school year). Financial support from parents is supplemented, if needed, by the PTO, and enables ACT to spend about $28 on each student. In addition to art enrichment programs, ACT has provided art supplies to the Kindergarten classrooms after kindergarten art was cut from the school budget, purchased visiting authors’ books for the school library and classrooms, bought a new tape recorder for the music department, and a new sound system for school performances.

How does the Committee get ideas for its programs?

Ideas for programs come from various sources: members of the ACT Committee, many of whom have a background or experience in the arts; teachers; parents; and members of other elementary school arts coordinators. Other resources include the West Suburban Creative Arts Council, a group of parent-run arts committees from area public schools, and cultural organizations such as Young Audiences and the Massachusetts Cultural Council.

How does the Committee run programs?

Over the summer the ACT Program Chair lays the groundwork for each of the events, scheduling with the performers, reserving appropriate space, and arranging deposits/payments. The Chair also oversees each program and often is the point person for all-school programs. For the Classical Café performances, a sub-committee has been organized to handle booking performers, decorations, and publicity.

Implementation of a program begins about 3-4 weeks ahead of the actual performance date. Committee members volunteer to assist with specific programs ahead of time, and are provided with a detailed checklist of tasks pertaining to that particular program. In addition, they receive copies of contact information; contracts; performance requirements; payments made/due; and curriculum materials. The checklist outlines what tasks need to be completed, and when. It is also the volunteer’s responsibility to manage the program itself.

Where are programs held?

The total number of programs, both all school and grade-specific, (and counting each Classical Café) averages about 14. Programs are held at Fiske, either in the gym, cafeteria, outdoors, or in individual classrooms. In some instances, the ACT Committees of two or more schools have teamed up for joint programming (for example, Michael Cooper’s 2005 theatrical performance was held at Harrington for students of both that school and Fiske).

How does communication take place?

In September, a printed flyer is sent home with all students, listing and describing the programs for the upcoming school year. If programs are added, changed, or cancelled, this flyer is updated and again sent home. Individual programs are listed in both the electronic and printed School News, and a brief follow-up article is often written as well.

Communication with teachers and staff about each program is usually via email. Teachers also receive hard copies of pre- and post-program materials, and are asked to fill out an evaluation form after each event.