Arts Open Hearts

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Fund the arts to open hearts

Through “Arts Opens Hearts,” the Montclair Fund for Educational Excellence leverages the arts to boost students’ social and emotional wellness. MFEE pilots initiatives to foster connection, build confidence, and provide an outlet for self-expression for students in Montclair Public Schools.

This spring, for the third time, MFEE is coordinating and funding a semester-long storytelling project with teens and senior citizens. The initiative is done in cooperation with Lifelong Montclair and Jessica Buel, an award-winning Montclair High School English and journalism teacher. This intergenerational cohort of 32 learners – 16 students and 16 seniors – will meet several times throughout the semester, and spend time interviewing each other and writing stories about each other’s lives. The culminating event will be a story slam where participants share these stories aloud on stage.

MFEE has previously brought ballroom dance and poetry into Montclair schools, awarded classroom innovation and social-emotional learning grants to music, dance and art teachers throughout the district, and facilitated giving campaigns to support visual art and marching band programs at Montclair High School.

Mad Hot Ballroom Montclair

Inspired to find ways to reach the rising number of students struggling with anxiety and isolation, Montclair middle school dance teachers proposed this innovative way to nurture human connection and self-esteem among teens. Few activities require the patience, persistence, and teamwork that ballroom dance demands.

Intergenerational Story Slam

Through MFEE-funded intergenerational story slams, students who do not always find success in traditional English classes are excelling through the power of spoken word. They craft exquisite and raw pieces as they find and share their voices. Increased funds will allow MFEE to integrate it more deeply at Montclair High.

Middle School Poetry Slam

Through middle school poetry slams, teens are processing the range of emotions that they experience during early adolescence. This work provides an invaluable outlet for some strong feelings and is vital to teens' development. Funds support professional teaching artists who nurture strong literacy and social/emotional skills.