1MCPS Kindergarten Jump Start Program: Empowering Young Minds through Arts Education

Busy Graham, a renowned arts educator and advocate, has dedicated her career to empowering young minds through arts education. Her extensive experience in the field is evident in her various initiatives, including the 1MCPS Kindergarten Jump Start Program. In this article, we will explore Busy's journey and the significance of the 1MCPS Kindergarten Jump Start Program.

Busy's passion for arts education began early in her career when she launched Project Youth ArtReach in 1999. This program aimed to serve youth and women in corrections, providing them with opportunities to engage in creative activities. After leaving Class Acts/Artivate in 2005, Busy founded Carpe Diem Arts, focusing on community building through the arts. Her organization creates cross-cultural, multi-generational opportunities for people to participate in various art forms.

In 1995, while serving as the director of the Institute of Musical Traditions, Busy founded Class Acts Arts (now Artivate). The goal was to bring high-quality and culturally diverse traditions of music, dance, storytelling, and theater to schools and under-resourced communities throughout the National Capital Region. This initiative demonstrated her commitment to arts education and its potential to bridge cultural gaps.

Busy's journey in arts education is marked by her dedication to serving under-resourced communities. Her experiences as a music teacher, artist representative, nonprofit administrator, and arts advocate have equipped her with a deep understanding of the importance of arts education. The 1MCPS Kindergarten Jump Start Program is an extension of this mission.

The program's primary objective is to provide kindergarten students with a comprehensive introduction to the arts. By incorporating art forms like music, dance, storytelling, and theater into their curriculum, Busy aims to foster creativity, self-expression, and critical thinking skills in young children. The program also encourages collaboration between teachers, parents, and community members, promoting a sense of belonging and cultural understanding.

In conclusion, Busy Graham's dedication to arts education is evident in her various initiatives, including the 1MCPS Kindergarten Jump Start Program. Her extensive experience has equipped her with the knowledge and skills necessary to empower young minds through arts education. As we continue to recognize the importance of arts education in early childhood development, programs like the 1MCPS Kindergarten Jump Start Program will play a vital role in shaping the creative and critical thinkers of tomorrow.

1mcps kindergarten jump start program