Every student at Yulupa and Strawberry receives hands-on visual art instruction during the regular school day. Yulupa Elementary TK-3rd grade students receive these classes for the first half of the year. Strawberry Elementary 4th-6th grade students receive the instruction during the second half of the year. All classes are taught by Serina Rasp, a full-time, certificated art teacher. (That’s unusual for elementary schools in California, and it’s only possible because district families like yours fund it.)

The art program weaves together art history from a range of cultures, the elements and principles of design, and both 2D and 3D art-making. For example, in 2nd grade students learn about patterns, shading and blending, and the tradition of alebrijes in Mexican culture. They then combine various animals to create their own alebrije drawing. In 6th grade, students research and rate various culture’s traditional mask making. They then create their own mask using plaster and other materials that is new and unique, but can be recognized in fitting with a specific culture’s mask cannon. Techniques build on each other year to year, so students’ skills and the quality of their work grow as they move through the grades.

Projects balance structure with choice. Both clear guidelines and personal interest are emphasized in the production of student artwork, allowing the students more freedom as they progress and mature.