The Bering Strait School District was recently awarded a $10,000 New Visions grant, from the Alaska State Council on the Arts, which is designed to increase arts education across the district. The three year project will focus on professional development for staff, curriculum writing, leadership training and bringing Alaskan Teaching Artists to work with students. The district was one of only three in the state to receive funds and technical assistance support. District staff responded to surveys in November indicating a high level of interest in integrating the arts across the curriculum, so training and artist residencies will focus on showing teachers how to add the visual arts, music, drama, dance, and Native Arts to daily instruction. Research and common sense have shown that the arts can inspire and motivate students like no other subject, and teach them critical and creative thinking, problem solving, and expressive communication skills. These are all critical attributes for success in the 21st century. For more information contact Greg Johnson [email protected] or Kim Sweeny [email protected] .