LISA
The value of a community that nourishes its artists,musicians, and thespians is undeniable. Loveland has an educational program, the Loveland Area Integrated School of the Arts (LISA), that believes in nourishing these artists while they are still young. In 2007, the Thompson School District launched LISA in order to provide an educational option for students with a passion for the arts. The curriculum is designed to integrate visual and performing arts across the curriculum and offer alternatives to traditional learning styles.
The LISA program is offered at Garfield Elementary, Bill Reed Middle School and Mountain View High School. In 2010-2011 nearly 500 students were enrolled in the LISA programs district wide. Arts opportunities are available both in the classroom and as extra curricular activities in the form of after school classes; art, dance, and choir clubs; and performances and shows at schools, the Rialto Theater, and art galleries. All three schools build background knowledge and experiences in the arts through field trips and artist-in-residence opportunities. Community service is also a key component as students from all three schools create ceramic glazed bowls to support the Empty Bowls event for the Larimer County Food Bank.
By creating a program that uses the arts in the core content classes, LISA adds relevance and interest to the school day. LISA students have shown better attendance rates and higher grades and CSAP scores when compared with the total school populations at Bill Reed Middle School and Mountain View High School. Garfield extensively involves the Loveland community in their programs and has 80% parent attendance at evening events and arts showcases.
The school district has partnered with the University of Northern Colorado, Colorado Creative Industries, and the Erion Foundation for developmental and financial support. Working with professional artists and businesses in the area is key to the program’s success. The LISA program hopes that by nourishing these young artists, Loveland will always have a thriving art community.
We hope you’ll consider being a part of LISA!