Protecting Education
Since my election to the Assembly in 2008, I have traveled all across the 15th district; from Walnut Creek to Livermore, from Oakley and Brentwood to Elk Grove and Galt, meeting with parents, educators, administrators and students to hear their stories about the impacts of recent education cuts. These informal “Classroom Cabinet” meetings keep me well informed about the issues and guide many of the education related bills I introduce and support.
As a mother, a former school board member and your Assemblymember, I am fully committed to fighting for our schools.
Young artists honored by Buchanan
Students from five elementary schools in the San Ramon Valley Unified School District were called to the district office of Assemblywoman Joan Buchanan (D, 15th) for a reception in their honor to celebrate their work as artists.
Students from Alamo, Golden View, Green Valley, Live Oak, Vista Grande and Walt Disney elementary schools, along with their families and teachers, attended the Thursday reception. The young artists were presented with a certificate of commendation for their work, which Buchanan has displayed on the walls of her San Ramon office.
"Art education is critical to fostering the creative and imaginative minds of our youth," said Buchanan, a former school board member.
Buchanan said she supports art education programs because they encourage creativity while teaching children about art and the ways that they can express themselves.
Nearly 60 pieces of art hang throughout the office, in a variety of styles. The pieces are displayed by volunteers who coordinate with the schools to find likely artwork. The art instructors at each school determine which pieces will be forwarded to Buchanan.
The program is funded through the PTA, San Ramon Valley Education Foundation and other nonprofit groups.
The art currently on display is the first of what will be quarterly exhibits. The summer session will feature artwork from five more elementary schools; the fall will be a photo display from the area high schools; and the winter display will be done by middle-schoolers.
Buchanan said having the artwork up in her office serves a dual purpose.
"Well, first of all it looks fabulous on our walls," she said, smiling. "And second it reminds people of who we're serving and why we're here."
"The comments we get on the children's work is just phenomenal," she added. "This is a great way for us to showcase the talents of our wonderful students."
Residents interested in seeing the art are invited to stop by Buchanan's office and see it firsthand. The office, located at 2694 Bishop Drive, Suite 245, is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.
Excerpted from www.danvilleweekly.com.
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