Art is essential. It is used to visually teach students about their own community and history and serves as a representative display of the student population. At Ridgewood Elementary, BEF funded a year-long mural project to replace an existing, outdated mural created in 1995. The new one encompasses the diversity of the student population, providing more welcome and a sense of belonging. The entire student body was invited to submit mural designs, and half of all students submitted designs. The final mural design selected by teams of older students exemplified the themes of inclusiveness, diversity, creativity, and joy. Most of the mural was painted before the end of the school year and students raved about the experience.
