Spartan Snapshot: Art and Belonging in PreK

About twice a week, Deanna Hartmann, Lower School art teacher, travels from the Goodrich Campus to the PK program, often carrying a carload of supplies, clay projects, and the like.

And every time she walks in, she's greeted with smiles and excitement, along with a rush of hugs. Ms. Hartmann got her start in education as an Early Childhood Educator, and getting back to her roots working with St. Paul Academy and Summit School's PreK program has been so rewarding.

As a Reggio-Emilia-trained teacher, she's focused on building a sense of belonging from the start. Ms. Hartmann notes, "Group work is a significant component of the Reggio approach. Our PreK students learn how to care for the space, build or create together, communicate their needs, and be in community with one another."

Our first batch of learners in SPA's PreK has grown so much in a short amount of time, thanks in no small part to the exceptional educators who provide a rich learning experience to our youngest learners. When our PreK students move to the Lower School campus next fall, they'll have a strong foundation of tools and skills — not to mention an existing relationship with one of their art teachers.