Did you know? CATA is now the largest outside provider of arts programs for students in local schools. And we don’t stop when the school year ends!
This summer, CATA is bringing arts programs to young people with disabilities at local schools in Pittsfield, Dalton, Great Barrington, Lenox, Cheshire, and North Adams. Every day of the week, children and teens are painting, dancing, and singing in CATA programs, while building important skills like communication, collaboration, and problem-solving that help them stay on track academically.
“Summer school is an essential part of the year for young people with disabilities, and CATA is a critical partner for school districts in supporting their success,” says CATA Executive Director Margaret Keller. “We work closely with school staff to design programs aligned with students’ personal, academic, and I.E.P. goals.”
For many students, CATA is a reason to stay engaged. Teachers report higher attendance on days when CATA faculty are in the classroom.
“Through CATA, my students get to express themselves the way they want,” says a teacher from Pittsfield High School. “A lot of them have a hard time showing up to school, but they’re always here when they know it’s a CATA day.”
Teachers also see students bring the skills they learn in CATA programs—like self-regulation in yoga, collaboration in music, and improved attention span in painting—back into the classroom, strengthening learning and social connections. Students are happier and calmer, teachers feel supported, and classrooms are more productive.
“We’ve dramatically grown our summer school programs in response to requests from teachers and administrators who see the impact of CATA on their students,” says CATA Program Director Jeff Gagnon. “100% of teachers ask for CATA programs year after year—and 96% would do more CATA if funding were available.”
“CATA is helping young people gain confidence and learn to express their needs,” says a special education teacher. “We’re so grateful for all that CATA does for our students.”
Your Impact on young people with disabilities:
Thanks to you, children and teens are building vital skills that set them up for success
in the classroom and beyond:
- Greater awareness & relationship-building skills
- Increased self-confidence
- Stronger communication skills, verbally and non-verbally
- Greater ability to achieve goal and stay on track academically
- Belief in their ability to succeed!
Your donations make CATA possible. CATA also thanks Coolidge Hill Foundation, Feigenbaum Foundation, Gilson Family Foundation, Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation, Dr. Robert C. & Tina Sohn Foundation, and Mill Town Foundation for their dedicated support for CATA’s summer school programs.
