Bringing Joy and Creativity to the Classroom
An Interview with Principal Estonina of College Park Elementary
At College Park Elementary School in the San Mateo-Foster City School District, Principal Estonina has made it her mission to ensure students receive a well-rounded education—one that includes the transformative power of the arts. Now in her third year at the school, Angienette shared her experience with Art in Action and the powerful role it plays in enriching both students and the wider school community.
A Strong First Impression
Principal Estonina was introduced to Art in Action during her first year as principal at College Park. From the start, she was struck by the program’s depth, diversity, and impact.
“As a principal, I’m very impressed with the program—just from what I observed and the way the art is taught. I love the diversity of the art that’s introduced, and the family engagement component is something truly special.”
Having spent many years in education, she was no stranger to the challenges of integrating the arts into the curriculum. But she immediately recognized that Art in Action wasn’t just an extracurricular activity—it was a meaningful part of students’ educational journey.
“Art is something that I feel is so critical to integrate into the curriculum. The students really look forward to art—it’s amazing to see.”
A Curriculum That Makes Implementation Simple
One of the key strengths Principal Estonina highlighted is Art in Action’s clarity and ease of use. Designed with educators in mind, the program provides grade-specific curriculum and detailed visual guides that help make each lesson successful.
“The curriculum is very specific. I love that it differentiates by grade level. The materials and visuals provided really make it an engaging experience for students.”
She also noted how the program introduces students to a wide variety of techniques and media, allowing them to explore art in a hands-on, three-dimensional way.
“From my perspective as a principal, walking into the classroom, it’s clear that this program is easy to implement. It’s engaging, and it gives students a chance to experience visual arts in many different ways.”
A Clear Recommendation
After three years with Art in Action, College Park Elementary’s Principal confidently recommends the program to fellow school leaders.
Whether it's the excitement it brings to students, the accessibility of its resources for teachers, or the way it builds community through art, her experience makes one thing clear: Art in Action is not just a program—it’s a spark for joy, creativity, and connection in schools.
