For the past five years, the Norton Museum of Art and the International Spanish Academy (ISA) at Berkshire Elementary School have worked together to create educational experiences that enhance the cultural competency of students in the dual-language program.

This partnership provides students with opportunities for creative development and contributes to their understanding of art and cultural heritage. The Museum has also worked with the school to ensure that the partnership aligns closely with the ISA’s goals and curriculum.

Students focus on works of art by Hispanic artists in the Museum’s collection and special exhibitions, addressing themes of identity, self-awareness, and pride in one’s heritage.

The partnership begins each year with fall assemblies at the school during Hispanic Heritage Month. Museum educators lead a dialogue with students about artwork in the Museum and introduce ideas about cultural heritage and identity.

Students then visit the Museum for discussions and activities regarding works of art by Hispanic artists. This year, students focused on the exhibition Frida Kahlo, Diego Rivera and Mexican Modernism from the Jacques and Natasha Gelman Collection.

Additionally, Berkshire Elementary and the Museum work together to engage the entire school community, including families. The Museum offered all families at the school free admission to the Museum during the Mexican Modernism exhibition, a benefit that will include food and busing provided by the Museum. The school year will culminate in a family celebration at the Museum for a day of fun activities focused on Hispanic culture and artwork.

Four District ISA schools partner with the Norton Museum: Berkshire Elementary, Greenacres Elementary, New Horizons Elementary, and John I. Leonard High. The Norton Museum thanks the respective school principals and teachers as well as the District’s Multicultural Education department for their continued support.