Success Stories
Hear what others have to say about artist Kristin LaRoy.
"Ms. LaRoy was a maestro of movement and method in ensuring that each of my students participated and learned with enthusiasm and eagerness each day she was present in my classroom."
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"My students loved the movement-centered unit as it got them up and moving and instilled a significance about the stories we studied that they will remember for years to come."
Jennifer Johnston
Middle School Teacher, Charles Townes Center at Sterling School
Recipient of dance and fine craft Arts Integration Residency, a part of the SmartARTS Program
"Kristin takes the details of the lesson and finds a way to utilize dance and craft to help the information stick with the students."
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"It was an amazing experience to see these students showcase their learning and creativity in an original performance!"
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"Kristin has become my 'gold standard' of what arts integration should look like."
Kristen Leonard
Challenge Teacher, Bell's Crossing Elementary School
Recipient of dance and fine craft Arts Integration Residency, a part of the SmartARTS Program
"Kristin worked with me in her initial assignment at Monaview Elementary School. There she enhanced my own presentations with dances demonstrating the movement of various animal characters from my books."
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"I always enjoy her program—particularly the methods she uses to encourage artful movement even among a class full of non-dancers."
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"Kristin is an excellent dance instructor with a love for the arts and for her community."
Tim Davis
Author, Illustrator and
Arts Integration Instructor
Fellow colleague in the field of arts integration
"My students felt free to explore their own dancing styles as well as were considerate of various dance styles. They were fully engaged and wished I could teach like that all the time!"
Yvonne Kelly
Teacher, Monaview Elementary School
A response to the question, what aspects of the event did you find most engaging or enjoyable?
"The integration of standards with science, drama, dance, art… and the way it all came together! The kids were thoroughly engaged and both the process and final products were beautifully done. This was my first experience with SmartArts and I was very impressed."
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"[I] also loved the organization and preparation that made it simple for kids to focus on the most relevant aspects of the lessons."
Shaily Shah
Teacher, Monaview Elementary School
Recipient of dance and fine craft Arts Integration Residency, a part of the SmartARTS Program
