Theo Quinones is one of 20 elementary and middle school principals from across the nation who has been selected by Crayola and the National Association of Elementary School Principals (NAESP) to receive a “Champion Creatively Alive Children” school grant. Mr. Quinones is principal of Governor Wolf Elementary School in Bethlehem, PA. Crayola and NAESP together selected 20 schools to receive the grants, which will fund innovative programs aimed at fostering children’s critical thinking, creativity, collaboration, and communication skills.
The Champion Creatively Alive children grants are intended to help schools build creative_ capacity, nurture children’s creativity and inspire other schools to do the same. Governor Wolf Elementary School received a $2,500 monetary grant and $1,000 worth of Crayola products. Mr. Quinones will share outcomes from their program via NAESP’s website and a special Principal Magazine Supplement to help other principals develop promising practices related to arts education.
Peer Coaching Supports Art-Integration School-wide Governor Wolf Elementary
Bethlehem, Pennsylvania Theo Quinones, Principal
Peer observation and coaching will help identify and increase creative instructional practices, improve collaborative culture and establish a “whole school mindset.” Teachers will develop and share promising practices, following the school’s belief that teachers are the driving force behind change. This initiative leverages the role of their art teacher and other creative leadership team members to serve as chief creative officers, coaches and co-planners, helping colleagues develop and implement art-integration projects.
“Crayola believes that for students to reach their full potential and grow into self-motivated learners, their creativity and critical thinking skills must be nurtured. We believe children develop these 21st century skills when educators ignite their imaginations through art infused education,” said Smith Holland, Crayola president and chief executive officer.
The Champion Creatively Alive Children grant program asks principals to explore a “what if…” learning opportunity. For example, what if arts-infused learning thrived every day in schools? What if schools relied more on project-based authentic assessment rather than standardized tests? What if parents and schools found ways to document and articulate the value of creative experiences? The entries were judged on innovation, collaboration, and sustainability.
“Principals understand the value of using arts-infused education to ignite deep learning for all students,” said NAESP Executive Director Dr. Earl Franks. “We’re thrilled to work with Crayola and the Champion Creatively Alive Children grant program to provide schools with this unique opportunity to build creative capacity. These schools’ grant proposals are innovative approaches to establishing creative leadership and demonstrating promising practices that inspire others.”
To view the complete list of the 20 Champion Creatively Alive Children grant recipients, visit www.naesp.org/creativity.
About Crayola:
Crayola believes in honoring and nurturing the colorful originality in everyone. The Crayola creatED professional development program helps build creative leadership capacity
school-wide. Art-integration awakens faculty and student voices, as they make thinking visible and stretch their cre tive thinking. Together with educators, Crayola champions creatively alive children. For more information visit www.crayola.com/educator
About the National Association of Elementary School Principals (NAESP):
Established in 1921, the National Association of Elementary School Principals (NAESP) leads in the advocacy and support for elementary and middle school principals in the United States and internationally. NAESP supports principals as the primary catalysts for creating lasting foundations for learning through policy and professional development, advocacy, programs, and resources for effective instructional leadership. NAESP advances the profession on behalf of all principals, providing specialized support and mentoring for early career principals. Key focus areas include pre-K-3 education, school safety, technology and digital learning, and
capacity-building educator evaluation. For more information about NAESP, please visit www.naesp.org.
Information provided to TVL by:
Barbara Clymer
Administrative Assistant to Dr. Joseph J. Roy
Superintendent of Schools
1516 Sycamore Street
Bethlehem, PA 18017
