Murdock Elementary Hosts Evening of Arts and Culture

Glenn E. Murdock Elementary students showed their diverse talents at a recent family night event.  Around the World: A Night of ART, MUSIC, CULTURE and GEOGRAPHY, organized by PTA volunteers Misha Luker and Lisa Stewart, featured musical performances, culture and geography learning tables, and a student art gallery.

The children had the opportunities to learn about regional geography and Native American culture, make crafts, and decorate a California shaped cookie.  Refreshments were available through two popular local food trucks, often seen at the La Mesa Farmers Market.

The twin centerpieces of the event were a student art gallery, featuring framed and displayed artwork from all grades, and musical performances from Kindergarten through 5th grade.  Because of state and district budget cuts, the Murdock PTA, in addition to other academic enrichment programs, underwrites the elementary music program at Murdock.

Children learned about basic music theory, including notation and rhythm, and then rehearsed a selection of songs for choral performance.  Many of the songs were designed to enhance regular grade lessons being learned in class.

Mrs. Luker, a former teacher who coordinated the culture and geography tables, said that making learning about the joy of discovery is a great way to enhance education.

Mrs. Stewart, the arts events coordinator, mentioned the numerous academic studies demonstrating that regular arts education has a notable beneficial impact on overall learning and scholastic performance.  Both expressed their thanks to the Murdock PTA for financial and parent volunteer support and also to the Murdock staff and Principal John Ashley.

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