The Orange County School Board declared March to be Youth Visual And Performing Arts Month

ORANGE COUNTY In recognition of arts programs, the Orange County School Board declared that the month of March will be Youth Visual And Performing Arts Month at all district schools.

“We are one of the top performing arts districts, not just in the state of Florida, but in the entire United States of America, and that’s not just by accident,” said board chairman Bill Sublette.

Nearly 97,000 second- through eighth-grade students have been exposed to various art programs through events like field trips, and the goal is to hit the 100,000 mark, said Superintendent Barbara Jenkins.

“Everything from the ballet to the philharmonic to a wonderful production by the Orlando Repertory Theatre exposes all of our children to those wonderful performances that they might not normally have exposure to,” she said. 

Jenkins also took a moment during the presentation to thank the arts teachers who put in the extra hours for their students.

“Those who are putting on productions and putting on spring productions, they put in tireless hours to get those students ready,” she said. “So I want to thank all of our fine arts teachers for the great work they do on behalf of our students.”

A variety of arts programs and events will be held at schools throughout the month, including a visual art exhibit for all grade levels at the Ronald Blocker Educational Leadership Center lobby and student art displays at community events like the Winter Park Sidewalk Art Festival.

In following suit with the White House’s recent proclamation, the board made a second proclamation during the meeting that declared March to also be Professional Social Work Month.

“Being a social worker takes heart,” Sublette said. “(They) go into it because they have a passion for children, a passion for our community. We appreciate that. You all are miracle workers.”

Contact Brittany Gaines at [email protected].