POAC seeking volunteer Kaleidoscope instructors

The Pend Oreille Arts Council’s mission is to facilitate quality experiences in the art through educational programs and presentations that benefit the people of North Idaho.

Kaleidoscope is a volunteer art program that brings hands-on art lessons to 3rd, 4th, 5th and 6th grade students throughout Bonner County. Last school year, the Pend Oreille Arts Council’s Kaleidoscope program staffed by 56 volunteers teaching in 47 classrooms worked with approximately 1,000 students. Each and every one of those volunteers are appreciated and the program’s coordinators, Janelle Campasino, Molly Gentry and Daris Judd asked me to convey their gratitude.

But, I have to tell you, being a Kaleidoscope volunteer is so much fun, and so rewarding that I, for one, want to offer my gratitude to those three extraordinary women for coordinating such a well-organized program. With my good friend, Julie Keaton, I taught 6th grade at Washington school.  And, thanks to teacher, Shanna Tadic, we couldn’t have asked for better behaved, or more engaged students.

During this upcoming school year, 6-8 more classrooms will be added to the program. Additional volunteers are needed. Most volunteers are not trained teachers or artists. They all like working with elementary school aged children and value the arts. It is a great opportunity to learn a few things about art as well. The hope is that the volunteers find the teaching experience joyful and rewarding. Just like I did.

Volunteers are well supported. Two training sessions are offered each year, one in September and the other in January. Eight lessons lasting approximately 60 minutes are taught throughout the year, one per month, October through May. Prepared notebooks with lesson plans, support materials and examples are provided. All materials for lessons are found on site. Volunteers receive training from Daris Judd with careful insight and artistic knowledge.

Here’s how it works. Full training is provided for each of the grades. You do not have to be an artist.  I’m certainly not. Scheduling is agreed upon by the classroom teacher and volunteer. There is some pre-class preparation, such as printing off lesson objectives, and gathering materials. But the coordinators provide all the needed supplies for each lesson. Lessons are taught.  Materials are then returned to the supply cabinets and you are ready for the next month.

Although most of the volunteers are women, we do have a few men who sign up. It is also encouraged to work with a partner and teach together. I can attest that every volunteer thoroughly enjoys working with the students as much as the students enjoy the class.

To sign up or for more information, contact Janelle Campasino, [email protected], Daris Judd, [email protected], or Claire Lutz at the POAC office, [email protected].