Visual & Performing Arts
September 5, 2024
Dear Bridgewater-Raritan Community,
Welcome on behalf of the entire BRRSD Arts Education Department. As department supervisor, I am proud to support a team of 47 staff members across 11 schools. Collectively, we are dedicated to helping every student meaningfully and authentically engage with various artistic disciplines by providing robust course offerings and extra-curricular opportunities. The arts have long been a fundamental pillar of the Bridgewater-Raritan educational experience.
Our programs challenge students to engage with their world in new, reflective, and thought-provoking ways. They learn to communicate ideas, express emotions, and grapple with complex social and cultural issues using the distinct vocabulary of their chosen art forms. In doing so, they develop skills that extend far beyond the art studio, stage, or concert hall—skills that enhance their understanding across all subjects and enrich their perspective on the world around them. The arts provide a way of thinking that is integral to the full K-12 curriculum, complementing and enhancing the other disciplines taught within our district. This dynamic and holistic approach prepares our students not just for success in their artistic endeavors but for meaningful contributions in every facet of life.
Thank you for your continued support of the arts in our schools. Together, we are shaping the future by cultivating the creativity, empathy, and curiosity that our students need to succeed.
Sincerely,
Matthew McCarthy
Supervisor for Arts Education
