Arts Teacher With Unique Approach Is Honore (NAPSA)—Those who say that art is dead have not met the students at Patrick O’ Hearn Elementary School in Dorchester, Massachusetts. Their arts teacher, Cynthia Archibald, was named the 2003 national “Barbie Arts Teacher of the Year™,” as part of an arts education initiative from the Entertainment Industry Foundation (EIF) and Barbie Cares Supporting Children in the Arts™. The award is accompanied by a $15,000 grant for O’Hearn’s arts program, a school where more than one-third of the children have special needs and disabilities. As thousands of America’s schools suffer budget cuts to the already dwindling arts programs, Archibald is keeping the arts alive in her school with a unique curriculum that focuses on her students’ creative abilities rather with the Entertainment Industry Foundation’s 2003 National Barbie Arts Teacher of the Year Award for her creative use of the arts. Ms. Archibald is recognized for creatively integrating the arts into the classroom, empowering students of all abilities to learn. She uses unconventional teaching campaign will expand in 2004 than their limitations. methods such as dance, music and dramaexercises to help children learn the alphabet, gain an appreciation for cultural diversity and understand complex science concepts. “This shows how art inspires and art teachers who can inspire creatively are real heroes,” says Lisa Paulsen, president and CEO of EIF. This distinguished award is also madepossible by the exemplary commitment and sponsorship of the Barbie Brand. Because of Ms. Archibald’s “multi-sensory” approach to learning, her students with disabilities have been moving more and getting stronger—not only in body, but also in other academics. EIF and Barbie Cares have teamed up to create a national public service campaign entitled Cynthia Archibald was honored “Art Inspires.” This campaign, which communicates the importance of arts education to parents and children, has included print PSAs featuring EIF ambassadors Kelly Preston and Sela Ward. The with a broadcast PSA featuring Lisa Kudrow, which can be viewed at www.eiffoundation.org. Nominate Your Favorite Arts Teacher Children ages 6 to 12 can nomi- nate their favorite dance, music, theater or visual arts teacher by simply writing an essay (250 wordsof less) explaining why their teacher should be the next “Barbie Arts Teacher of the Year™.” Essays should be mailed to the Entertainment Industry Founda- tion, Attn: “Barbie Arts Teacher of the Year Search™,” 1463 Tamarind Ave., Hollywood, CA 90028. Offi- cial contest rules and guidelines are available at www.barbie.com/ arts or by calling 888-914-ARTS. Entries for the 2004 National Barbie Arts Teacher of the Year Search™ must be received by March 31, 2004.
