VAPA Arts in Action header art
January 2024
As 2023 was coming to a close, I had a couple of days where I felt completely discouraged by a situation to the point of wondering if I’d spent my entire career in vain. Naturally, this was when I had calendared writing this newsletter intro. I went back and read what I had written for the December newsletter and realized I needed to take my own advice. “Please enjoy this month for all that it is and please take some time to rest and enjoy yourself prior to starting 2024.” I decided I needed to take steps to alter my professional and personal plans as much as possible. Then I ended up getting injured sparring an opponent in my martial arts class and had to allow others in my family to take on many of my responsibilities at home. This experience created more meaningful time for me to rest, relax, and experience greater joy with my family and friends to close out 2023 and begin this New Year. 
 
I continue to be inspired by you daily and look forward to continuing to work with you this year. If you are looking for additional resources and support, I encourage you to continue reading this newsletter, regularly visit the SDCOE Visual and Performing Arts (VAPA) website, and reach out to me with your questions by email or phone.

VAPA Coordinator, San Diego County of Education (SDCOE)
858-295-8881
VAPA arts in action professional learning subhead
Visit the SDCOE VAPA website to learn more about these professional learning opportunities:
  • Elementary Arts Teachers Course
  • Street Data Book Study 2024
VAPA arts in action news and resources subhead
Resources Available Through SDCOE
Whether you are looking for resources to increase staffing, adopt new instructional materials, or find a new arts partnership, please check out the resources available on the SDCOE VAPA website.
Conga Drum and 2 cymbal with cymbal stands
Get inspired by the excitement of Afro-Cuban drumming! Groove with the Classics Philharmonic Orchestra and explore percussive rhythms, identify emotions, and discover connections across cultures. Center for World Music’s internationally recognized teaching artist Juan Carlos Blanco will demonstrate this exuberant dance style while showcasing how community drumming helps focus energy and express joy. Spanish/English narration will deepen the students’ understanding of this art form’s rich cultural history.
Students dancing inside octagons shapes for The San Diego Youth Dance Festival
San Diego Youth Dance Festival, an annual community dance experience for youth, ages 12-18, to celebrate dance, embody new experiences, and connect with fellow dancers from across San Diego County. It is open to middle and high school dance groups (both during and after school), non-profit youth dance groups, and self-organized (not-for-profit) community youth dance groups within San Diego County.
Abeba in the Tall Grass, written by Jonathan Norton and directed by Nikki Mirza, is about a 5th grade aspiring horticulturist and the urban garden that has become her sacred space. Through encounters with the school goof-offs, she realizes like plants need water and light to flourish, people need friendship and community to thrive. One of La Jolla Playhouse’s signature Learning and Engagement programs, the Performance Outreach Program Tour is an annual world-premiere, Playhouse-commissioned production that brings the magic of theatre to classrooms.
2023-24 CAEA San Diego County K-8 Student Art Exhibit
We are pleased to invite you to submit your student artwork for the 2023-24 California Art Education Association of San Diego K-8 Student Art Exhibit. Entries must be submitted by the teacher. Artwork will be on view from Feb. 26 to March 23 in the community room of the Carmel Valley branch of the San Diego Public Library.
Events to Share?
If you have an upcoming arts event for students or educators, an arts professional learning opportunity, or an arts curriculum resource to share, submit your ideas to us here.
Get up-to-the-minute information about what's happening at the San Diego County Office of Education and in our districts across the county.