What are Micro-Programs?

Micro-programs are our normal programs, using the arts to teach literacy and resiliency by connecting youth throughout the world in collaborative arts projects, but for a very limited number of students.  Programs are in-person, limited to 5 students* each and run for 4 weeks.  All programs are held at Voices of the Children’s office at 407 S. 1st Street in Mount Vernon, WA. 

*Masks and daily temperature checks are required to participate. 

Why micro-programs?

What are we missing most in this time of global pandemic?  Personal connection.  And that’s exactly what our programs offer!  As a response to Washington State’s Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction’s recommendation for social-emotional learning opportunities for our youth during the COVID-19 school shutdown, we have tailored some of our programs for very small, in-person learning opportunities for interested families.  While our programs use the arts to teach literacy, they are not sponsored or sanctioned by any school district and participants do not receive school credit for participating.  They are supplemental to a student’s in-class, distance learning.

What programs are offered?

Poetry & Art

Take a journey through the world of words and art, creating a variety of expressions of the mind and heart. This course will incorporate a range of written and artistic experiences and projects, culminating with a 3-Dimensional sculpture reflecting themes generated throughout the sessions. It will end by mutually sharing our art with Syrian refugee children living in Jordan who will be simultaneously participating in the same activities half a world away. This collaboration will help connect children and build understanding across the globe.

3rd Grade - 5th Grade

Thurs. Oct. 15th   2:30 – 4:00

Thurs. Oct. 22nd   2:30 – 4:00

Wed.  Oct. 28th   2:30 – 4:00

Thurs. Oct. 29th      2:30 – 4:00

Wed.   Nov. 4th      2:30 – 4:00

Thurs. Nov. 5th      2:30 – 4:00

6th Grade - 8th Grade

Thurs. Sept. 17th   4:30 – 6:00

Thurs. Sept. 24th   4:30 – 6:00

Wed.  Sept. 30th   4:30 – 6:00

Thurs. Oct. 1st      4:30 – 6:00

Wed.   Oct. 7th      4:30 – 6:00

Thurs. Oct. 8th      4:30 – 6:00

Butterfly Project: Resilience Through Clay

Using writing and ceramics to address the unique struggles and challenges that face young women worldwide.

9th - 12th Grade Girls Only

Mon. Oct. 12th   3:00 – 4:30

Mon. Oct. 19th    3:00 – 4:30

Mon. Oct. 26th   3:00 – 6:00

Mon. Nov. 2nd      3:00 – 6:00

FilmVerse

Filmmaking program using writing from youth in Skagit County Juvenile Detention to serve as the narrative for our short films.

9th - 12th Grade

Tues. Oct. 13th    4:30 – 6:00

Tues. Oct. 20th   4:30 – 6:00

Tues. Oct. 27th    4:30 – 6:00

Fri.     Oct.  30th      4:30 – 6:00

Tues. Nov.  3rd       4:30 – 6:00

Fri.     Nov. 6th        4:30 – 6:00

Peace In, Peace Out

Using photography to humanize the faces behind social issues within our community.

6th - 8th Grade

Tues. Oct. 13th    2:30 – 4:00

Tues. Oct. 20th   2:30 – 4:00

Tues. Oct. 27th    2:30 – 4:00

Fri.     Oct.  30th      2:30 – 4:00

Tues. Nov.  3rd       2:30 – 4:00

Fri.     Nov. 6th        2:30 – 4:00

Who is teaching the programs?

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Sherry Chavers

Sherry Chavers lives her life with a passion for literacy, the arts and education with 38 years of teaching in the Anacortes School District.

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Heidi Herder

Heidi Herder teaches in the Burlington-Edison School District and is currently an art integration specialist and coordinator for highly capable students 3rd through 8th grades.

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Katie Walton

Katie Walton launched Red Barn Art Studio in 2012, teaching after school art lessons for kids. It has since expanded into a mecca of creativity for the community.

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Aaron Wagner

Aaron Wagner taught middle school band and choir for 13 years before ``Retiring`` to found Voices of the Children.

What do the programs cost?

The cost for each four-week program is $250.
No experience is necessary to participate and this fee covers all equipment and materials needed for the program.
* The ability to pay for our programs should never be a barrier for participation. Need-based scholarships are available. *

Ready to sign up?

Space in our programs is very limited and we want to offer them to kids in the most equitable way possible.  Please follow the link below and fill out our very short application.  We will contact you soon with our decision.

Have more questions?

This is a crazy time with many uncertainties.  We are here to help and support you so please don’t hesitate to reach out.  There are no stupid questions!