The 2021 California Casualty Music and Arts Grants are given to maintain arts and music in schools, particularly those with strong financial needs. California Casualty is a proud provider of the NJEA/NEA Auto and Home Insurance Program.
Here are the NJ recipients:
| SCHOOL NAME | SCHOOL CITY | SCHOOL STATE | APPLICANT |
| LINCOLN MIDDLE SCHOOL | KEARNY | NJ | JILLIAN PULCINE |
| CLIFFSIDE PARK SCHOOL #4 | CLIFFSIDE PARK | NJ | ALEC SHANTZIS |
| WASHINGTON STREET ELEMENTARY SCHOOL | TOMS RIVER | NJ | CASSADY GRABLAUSKAS |
| PINE HILL MIDDLE SCHOOL | PINE HILL | NJ | ERICA BURR |
| GLENFIELD MIDDLE SCHOOL | MONTCLAIR | NJ | THOMAS LUPFER |
| DALE AVENUE SCHOOL | PATERSON | NJ | NIKKI BAKER |
| UNION CITY HIGH SCHOOL | UNION CITY | NJ | SOFIA KARANIKOLOS |
| SAMUEL S YELLIN SCHOOL | STRAFORD | NJ | MARY P MCTAGUE |
| HIGH POINT REGIONAL HIGH SCHOOL | SUSSEX | NJ | ERIN MEYERS |
| KITTATINNY HIGH SCHOOL | NEWTON | NJ | MARY YOUNGBLOOD |
| WINFIELD SCHOOL | WINFIELD | NJ | MARY GREELEY |
| HOOPER AVE ELEMENTARY | TOMS RIVER | NJ | LISA SIMONE |
Arts and music programs have long been shown to enhance students’ critical thinking skills, foster creativity and improve their concentration, motivation and confidence. With COVID-19 still having an impact on communities and schools, the arts continue to play a critical role in helping children express themselves, connect with each other, process stress, and stay engaged in their ever-changing learning environment.
California Casualty’s $36,000 in grants will give more students a chance to learn music, act in a school play, or hone their artistic talents throughout the 2021-2020 academic year.
“The importance of arts education can’t be overstated,” said California Casualty Assistant Vice President Brian Goodman. “We are proud that we can help teachers provide more creative opportunities for students and schools.”
The 142 grants of $250 each will provide financial assistance for efforts such as:
- Creation of a Sound Garden outside the school building. An immersive sound experience combining instruments and weather
- Rotating classrooms art class. “Messy Mat” trays so students can protect desks and carpet from paint, water color, clay, and glue
- Student-assembled PPE kits and protective face shields for school play
- To repair and replace broken elementary school classroom instruments
- Instant Cameras to teach students about photography and still life art
- Fabric to make Mariachi Skirts for the state of Jalisco for a 50-student Mexican Folklorico Dance group
- Music Therapy Class for students with Autism
- Drama Department materials for the set, scripts, and costumes
California Casualty’s Music and Arts Grant program receives applications year-round. To be considered for a 2022 award, educators at public K-12 schools can apply for a $250 Music and Arts Grant at www.calcasmusicartsgrant.com. Applicants must be a current member of the state NEA affiliate or one of the other participating educator associations including ACSA, CASE, COSA, KASA, NASA or UASSP.