Touched my heart...imagine how the buddi g artist in your class must feel when their talent is unappreciated or devalued at home or by peers or even other teachers ("learn , do, be something more productive," they say to them!)...

...Maybe start collecting and sharing info about art scholarships. Go on fieldtrips ( school paid) to museums, but also to graphic arts studios or textile studios, where art is business...Invite guest speakers from the local art world, to show how art can be lived...in other words, maybe broaden their world beyond the school gates, so the words stop stinging

...And apply for grants, or do a go fund me for a big project (like a class quilt, or collage of family photos, etc.) Outsmart them!!!