To the editor:

In response to Ms. Matheis’ letter (May 4) regarding the arts at Cordley, I write this to give you factual information on which to base your own judgment.

I have been the art teacher at Cordley for the past nine years, where I believe the arts flourish. I will not compare schools nor pit one art specialist against the other, for Lawrence public schools have an amazing fine arts team that is very cohesive. Instead, I will tell you about the arts at Cordley.

The arts at Cordley include the visual arts and musical arts. Both the music teacher and I are deeply involved in a smARTS grant that heavily integrates the arts with reading and math. Cordley’s art room, though not new, is quite large, fully stocked and technology-rich. Our gym holds a 20 foot mural created by Cordley students.

My art curriculum is heavily integrated with math, reading, writing, social studies and science. The classroom teachers will attest to the positive effects of these integrations on test scores.

Lastly, Cordley has many arts-related events and participates in multiple district, city and statewide events. Cordley Night of the Arts is our largest event, representing all students, the visual arts, performing arts and creative writing. The arts are always present at Cordley and supported throughout the school and district. This is not a place where the arts are “underemphasized.” Judge for yourself!

Julia Rose-Weston,

Lawrence