School Partnerships
What defines a Painting Pandas School Partnership?
Painting Pandas collaborates with elementary schools that are recognized as under-resourced, aiming to guarantee students and staff at these institutions have access to curated art curriculum that emphasizes social-emotional learning (SEL) and high-quality art supplies. Throughout our organizational history, we have advocated for building connections between the arts and mental health, behavioral health, and overall children's well-being. Our lessons use creating art as the catalyst to teach our elementary-age students: anthropology, art history, geology, literacy, and math. Through student engagement with the instruction, they can learn communication skills with peers and adults, build confidence and creativity, learn to persevere and solve problems, all in a safe environment.
How do we achieve this?
Painting Pandas can partake in this impactful work thanks to the generous support from our donors, including foundation partners, corporate sponsors, and community partners. By cultivating relationships with community partners and corporations, we have significantly reduced the cost of supplies while ensuring we provide materials of the highest quality to all our students. Additionally, after over a year of working on our pilot program, we have created a system for any school we work with to have the logistical support it needs for a thriving partnership.
What do we offer our partners?
Painting Pandas takes pride in its K-5 curriculum, comprising 288 lessons, with 96 lessons tailored for each grade group. These lessons are divided into two parts, each encompassing about 25 slides. The first part is taught during week 1, introducing students to the lesson, the book, SEL questions, and fun facts, and the second part during week 2, focuses on the artist, artistic elements, and the art project. Although Painting Pandas provides projects, we encourage students to unleash their creativity and put their unique twist on all projects, showcased on our gallery page.
How do we support school staff and educators?
Painting Pandas initiates partnerships by understanding a school's needs, and delving into its history with teaching art and current art offerings. Before engaging with students, we work with local staff members to familiarize them with presenting our lessons, sharing best practices, and streamlining the teaching process. Additionally, we provide ongoing curriculum support to ensure our materials are presented in a format that will engage all students and promote social-emotional learning.
How can your school partner with Painting Pandas?
We actively seek new partnerships nationwide and would love to meet with your staff and students to discuss your school's needs. Please use the contact form below to share your information, and our team will be delighted to schedule a meeting with you.