Collaboration is Key in this South Pasadena High School Art and Language Experience

South Pasadena High School (SPHS) students in AP Photography and French 3/4 visited the Norton Simon Museum on Friday, February 6, 2026 as a capstone experience to their joint lesson about the French Fauvist movement.

Thanks to a generous grant from the South Pasadena Educational Foundation (SPEF), Ms. Rouzanna Berberian, Ms. Debbie Mogel, and Ms. Erin Kanner worked together to create this cross-curricular opportunity for their classes. Following an in-depth lesson created by Ms. Berberian about Fauvism, students in both classes used tracing paper and oil pastels to turn black and white photos from the AP students into colorful Fauvist-inspired works of their own.

After learning about these artists together, students in both classes visited the museum to see the works they studied in person. The students’ artwork will be displayed in the SPHS library to share with the community.

South Pasadena High School, 1401 Fremont Ave., South Pasadena, (626) 441-5820 or visit www.sphstigers.org.

About South Pasadena Unified School District

Established in 1886, the South Pasadena Unified School District (SPUSD) serves approximately 4,700 students within five schools including three elementary schools, one middle school and one comprehensive high school in South Pasadena, California. Nestled in the West San Gabriel Valley, SPUSD has earned a reputation for providing high quality public education, attracting families who value challenging academic programs and outstanding teachers. Consistently recognized for superior performance, SPUSD students earn honors at the local, state and national level. The District draws vital support from parents and community members through the South Pasadena Educational Foundation, local PTAs and booster clubs.

For more information, contact: South Pasadena Unified School District, Office of the Superintendent, scarroll@spusd.net.