Bear Creek Middle School in Fairburn, Georgia, has been an Institute partner for four years. During that time SFI has brought in plays, a hip-hop music masterclass, drums for the drama class, and art supplies to support the faculty’s work. Pottery and jewelry making classes fill quickly and often have waiting lists, accelerating the classrooms ongoing need for supplies in quality and quantity. By staying in tune with their students and polling for their interest in various experiences, art teachers are thinking outside of the box and working with SFI staff to bring successful local artists and creative professionals into the schools for workshops and inspiration. Dr. Moret adds this about SFI support, “[SFI]  is genuinely interested in helping me access materials, products to use (consumables), and supplies that can be reused (non-consumables), that will directly benefit my Bear Creek art students daily. [They] even visited my classroom, and we love visitors!” 

The impact however is broad and measured by the lives that the South Fulton Institute transforms. According to Palmetto Elementary School art teacher Laura Price, the school has struggled over the years to procure enough supplies for their art curriculum, and often teachers have used their own money to make sure the students have the experiences they deserve. SFI's partnership with Palmetto elementary school in 2022  focused on the coordination of art supply drives. Ms. Price shared her reaction to the donation “I have explained to my students about the new items and who gave them to the school and why,” Ms. Price said, “They were so amazed that people they didn’t know would spend money on them for art.”

This year, SFI donated art and music supplies to the Palmetto Elementary music class. “I can't say enough about the wonderful people at the South Fulton Institute and what they are doing for our, public school,” says Carrie Roberts, Palmetto Art Teacher. “The partnership has been a huge blessing for both me and all of my amazing students!

The instruments donated to my classroom have taken my instruction to another level as well as greatly enriched the learning and enthusiasm of my students. We appreciate all of the wonderful contributions and can't wait to continue to partner with [SFI].” We appreciate these dedicated and generous professionals and encourage our community to learn more about these and other SFI school-based partnership program achievements on our website.