Since Dr. Robert Penna became the superintendent of schools in Guttenberg nearly four years ago, he wanted to stress other facets of the district’s curriculum.
Penna was the driving force in the institution of a school band and has always been a major proponent of the school’s art program.
“I believe that if kids can excel in art and music, then they can also excel in other subjects in the classroom,” Penna said. “I think it really helps a student’s confidence in different ways. They feel better about themselves after being creative.”
So Penna has been promoting art in the classrooms of Anna L. Klein School, the only grade school in the district.
“A lot of people might tend to forget about art, but we’ve been pushing the art program,” Penna said. “We even formed an after-school Art Club last year and we’re seeing more and more production from our students. They’ve been doing some great stuff.”
For example, the members of the Klein Art Club, under the guidance of art teacher Glenis Vasquez, made a full-sized school mascot, a Mustang, last year that was used at certain school functions and events like the Memorial Day parade.
Recently, Penna had a conversation with Robert Osak, the Hudson County superintendent of education, and he mentioned all the great artwork the students were producing.
“He was saying how bland the walls of the office were [in Secaucus],” Penna said. “He said that he was looking for a way to dress up the walls. I suggested the artwork of our students and we worked out a deal that they would display the work. He was thrilled with the idea.”
Vasquez selected 25 of the best works done by her students in grades two through eight, to be put on display in the county superintendent’s office. It is the first time one school has been honored in this fashion.
“I’m so very proud of our kids,” Penna said. “I’ve already received phone calls from people who have seen the display, and they’re all amazed by the incredible work. I’m very happy we’ve been able to do this.”
So is Vasquez. “At first, I was a little surprised that they selected us,” Vasquez said. “But I’m very glad that we’re finally getting the attention. Our kids have done some great work, and I’m very proud of what they’ve done.”
Some of the artwork on display comes from a project the students had on racial and social equality. But there were also clay sun faces on display that the children made as part of studying the Aztecs.
“I’ve noticed a lot more interest in art in our school,” Vasquez said. “We have an overwhelming number of students joining the Art Club. They make all the decorations around the school for the spring and fall concerts. I’m really encouraged by their involvement. I have a big sense of pride now because others are getting to enjoy what the kids do.”
Kathrin Villa, a 13-year-old seventh grader, drew a picture of three children playing together that is featured in the display. “I was shocked that my drawing was being shown, but I’m also proud, too,” Villa said. “I just wanted to show that children can play together, no matter what their color is.”
Villa said that she loves art and would like to pursue an art career someday. “I want to draw more,” Villa said. “I have other things I want to draw and paint.”
Michelle Avelar, also a 13-year-old seventh grader, said art is just a hobby for her. She never thought her drawing, showing kids of different races working together in a classroom, would be on display anywhere. “I was totally shocked,” Avelar said. “I never thought it would go anywhere. I just wanted to draw this picture after I got the idea from a book I saw. I do like art and I draw at home, but it’s a hobby.”
Avelar said having the works on display will encourage other students to become artistic.
“I think this will help us all work harder and better,” Avelar said. “I feel happy about it that so many others will see what I drew.”