Archive: Around Town

All 330 South Hill Elementary School students in grades Pre-K through 5, their teachers, and many family members and friends gathered in the Ithaca High School gymnasium on the evening of May 17 for a Latin American Fiesta culminating a three-week artist residency with Jorge Cuevas.  Dance, music, visual arts, storytelling, history, geography, culture, and food preparation were included in the school-wide program made possible through an Ithaca Public Education Initiative (IPEI) Community Collaboration Grant, a Fine Arts Booster Group Mini-Grant, and an Ithaca College Partnership in Teaching Grant.

Each grade wore a different bright- colored t-shirt— green, orange, blue, purple, red, and yellow. The gym was decorated with colorful flags from Latin American countries hung behind the bands Rising Sign and Jorge T. Cuevas and the Caribe Jazz Allstars. Principal Colleen Ledley welcomed the large crowd and thanked all of the collaborators: “While our educational goal was to have students explore Latin American cultures through the arts, we also learned about ourselves. Many of our South Hill families and staff have cultural connections to Latin American countries including Puerto Rico, Dominican Republic, Chile, Ecuador, Brazil and Colombia.”

She thanked “our guest artist and gifted teacher, Senor Cuevas, for your leadership, your love of children and your passion for music and dance.”  Ledley also acknowledged the South Hill Arts Committee including Beth Wixson, Ana Goldsmith, Julissa Howe, Karen Cushman, Carrie LaZarre, and Marianne Stuart.

Fifth grade teacher Jane Koestler expressed that “our fiesta provided a wonderful tie- in to 5th grade academics because we study Latin America including pre-Columbian cultures of the Mayas, Aztecs, and Incas, and we spend time learning about current Latin America. I think the integration of the arts brings an additional level of meaning to the curriculum and definitely leaves students with vivid memories tied to their learning.”


Parent Marisa LaFalce appreciated that the school hosted the family event so “we could see what the children had been doing and talking about. For the last three weeks, my son has talked non-stop about Jorge. I think the school-wide enrichment was very positive, and it was inclusive of everyone.”

Cuevas had presented in schools in the past, but only for assemblies. “I then put together programs with the help of other local artists, and from that moment on I found the most rewarding work of my life. There is nothing more fulfilling for me. I believe that making a difference in students’ lives is a gift that I cherish and value.”

His favorite part of working with the South Hill Community was how the students beam with smiles when they participate. For example, they get an opportunity to play a percussion instrument, to learn a challenging dance turn, and to taste some Caribbean food that becomes their favorite food, and when they look amazed while she is telling stories.

“I love it when parents tell me that their children are teaching them the dance at home and that their children seem more excited about going to school," she says. "It's also great to hear from teachers that they appreciate how I reinforce their curriculum with my stories, and their students seem more engaged and excited to participate in class.”

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