The William Floyd School District’s Fine Arts Department has earned statewide recognition after receiving the prestigious New York State Art Teachers Association (NYSATA) VISION Endorsement for the first time in district history.
The honor recognizes school districts that demonstrate excellence in visual arts education through high-quality instruction, student engagement and inclusive learning opportunities. William Floyd was one of just 26 school districts statewide, 10 on Long Island and three in Suffolk County to receive the designation this school year as a “Community of Excellence in Visual Arts.”
District officials said the award highlights the work of Fine Arts Chairperson Theresa Bianco and the district’s art educators, who provide students with a broad range of artistic opportunities both inside and outside the classroom.
Programs selected for the VISION Endorsement are evaluated using a statewide rubric that measures curriculum quality, accessibility, inclusivity, advocacy and opportunities for student participation in the arts.
The recognition comes as the district continues to celebrate student creativity through its annual K-12 Districtwide Art Show, which showcases artwork from students across all grade levels.
Throughout the school year, William Floyd student-artists participate in exhibitions, mural projects, yearbook design, stage productions and other creative initiatives at their schools. Students are also encouraged to submit artwork for regional and statewide exhibitions hosted by organizations including NYSATA, the New York State School Boards Association, the Suffolk County Art Leaders Association, the Parrish Art Museum and the Town of Brookhaven.
Over the years, William Floyd students have earned numerous awards and honors for their artwork through those programs.
District officials congratulated Bianco, the art educators and student-artists for helping establish William Floyd as one of New York’s leading districts for visual arts education.