A.I.M. Executive Director, Dr. Tami Rae Weiss, and Michael Thompson, Deputy State Superintendent. Weiss accepts the award on behalf of UW-Stout.
Projects that strengthen schools and communities to be recognized Oct. 31, 2017 in Wisconsin Dells by the Department of Public Instruction.
Wednesday, October 25, 2017
by Tom McCarthy, DPI Communications Director
MADISON — Eight projects will receive the 2017 Standing Up for Rural Wisconsin Schools, Libraries, and Communities Award during a program and reception Oct. 31 in Wisconsin Dells.
Presented each year to nominated projects that “demonstrate the great potential and collaborative spirit of rural Wisconsin,” this year’s recipients join 105 exemplary programs recognized since 2005.
“The only way our rural communities can thrive is through intentional support and recognition of their importance to all of Wisconsin,” said State Superintendent Tony Evers. “Those who have worked on projects receiving this year’s rural awards demonstrate that support and the collaborative spirit that makes positive things happen for kids and communities. Their efforts make our rural communities vibrant places for children to learn.”
Nominated by education and library professionals, the 2017 award winning programs will be recognized during the Wisconsin Rural Schools Alliance conference (Oct. 30-31) in Wisconsin Dells.
Arts Integration Menomonie (A.I.M.), an arts education program at the University of Wisconsin-Stout, integrates the arts into the community and neighboring schools. From painting murals in school buildings to evening programs for children to work on art projects with future art teachers, the A.I.M. partnership promotes collaborative models of teaching among classroom teachers and UW-Stout students. The outcomes of the partnership have potential to enhance teacher competence and confidence and to improve the retention of pre-service teachers and early career teachers within the teaching profession. Another impact of the arts integration partnership is to improve appreciation for the arts through evenings of entertainment or enrichment at the Mabel Tainter Center for the Arts, a partner in the project.