Brigantine Elementary School 

A Multicultural, Thematic Approach to Arts Education 

For over 17 years Brigantine Elementary has used the arts to develop cultural respect, tolerance, and appreciation. In response to demographic changes nearly two decades ago, Brigantine’s district created strategic planning goals that emphasize character education for a multicultural community. Those goals were intended to help students develop understanding and respect and increase awareness for different cultures. Brigantine’s Elementary Arts Department coordinates art, music, dance, P.E., library, and technology classes using a multicultural theme. Each discipline then focuses on cultural appreciation, individual skills, and student achievement through projects showcased during Arts Night. Students present and perform what they have learned during this annual community extravaganza attended by over 1,500 people. Over 250 volunteers help transform the school into an arts museum with student work, student performers, cultural foods, storytelling, technology presentations, and cultural games. Parents and children of different cultural backgrounds share traditions and encourage respect, empathy, tolerance, and acceptance. This successful program has received several awards and recognitions.

www.brigantine.atlnet.org/elementaryweb/homepage.htm