SDAN Contact: Russ Sperling
Title: Director of Visual and Performing Arts
Mailing Address: 670 L Street, Suite C, Chula Vista, CA
Phone: (619) 691-5848
e-mail: russ.sperling@suhsd.k12.ca.us
2008-09 Program Highlights
More than 17,000 students across 24 middle and high schools; over 40% of District students enrolled in a VAPA class
Four core disciplines specialized into Nine focused areas, including new Digital Media specialty
Instituted day-long Curriculum Instruction and Assessment meetings with each arts discipline, for arts advocacy and Professional Learning Community (PLC) work
Summer Institute, collaborating with ROP, joint student-professional stage production
Residential Summer Arts Camp for 150+ students, completely free (training in 7 of our 9 specialties)
Chula Vista City Library hosting annual Student Art Show, representing District’s record 6000+ art students
Creating and writing [with teachers a] new standards-based curriculum for dance and art courses, following on last year’s completed music and theater work
New VAPA web site highlighting information on district-wide events, and coordinating site programs
New VAPA Digital Media committee established, to coordinate and build skills and resources of digital media and allied efforts (e.g., yearbook) district wide
New video library archiving district VAPA events, available to all teachers for classroom use
New on-site musical instrument repair workbench and FTE
New Instrument Maintenance Awareness Program established to enhance good maintenance habits and educate music teachers and students on proper musical instrument care. Instrument maintenance downloads through website.
New Honor Band program established for High Schools and Middle Schools
New Costume Library to support theater productions throughout the District
New District-wide technology training program, including new technology purchase for each attendee
Multimedia Library with DVD’s, Videos and Kits. Items are provided for check out based on availability.
Multimedia Library with DVD’s, Videos and Kits. Items are provided for check out based on availability.
VAPA also houses a Music Library. Teachers are welcome to review music before checking it out.
New Arts Education Partnership with Timken and Mingei Museums offering free admission, free docent-guided tours, and free transportation to SUHSD students and teachers.
Strategic Plan
Creation of an arts strategic plan committee
Five-year plan for a comprehensive arts plan and funding strategies
