Head of School Letter: Celebrate the Arts 2024
Source/Author: Nancy L. Spencer, Head of School
April 19, 2024
Each spring, there is a very special week-long tradition at Shorecrest where we focus on the arts: Celebrate the Arts. Of course “creative achievement” is one of the four pillars of our Mission, along with the pursuit of personal and academic excellence, physical well-being and the development of a commitment to social responsibility.
A walk through the campus reveals the plethora of student art and performing opportunities that abound throughout the school year. This week especially, we actively live our Mission to celebrate the importance and value of creativity for lifelong learners, demonstrating the artistic achievement of so many of our students through their stunning visual art, creative literary pieces and impressive artistic performances.
Students used this week for special field trips to explore local art museums and exhibits. Numerous visiting artists joined us on campus to perform and involve the students in many hands-on creative arts activities. Lower School Chargers took part in Poetry in the Park, a beloved tradition with children reciting poems to an audience of students and parents. Middle Schoolers participated in Arts on the Quad with their classmates. Upper Schoolers and eighth graders sang and danced in the incredible spring musical "The Drowsy Chaperone," with more performances Friday and Saturday night this week, April 19 and 20, at 7pm in the Janet Root Theatre.
Throughout the week, the Raymund Center was packed with literary treats, as we partnered with local bookseller Tombolo Books to host an inaugural book fair specifically geared toward Middle and Upper School students. The joy of reading and the fun of finding a book to take home was on display, as our older students were delighted to participate in this new event.
The arts enrich our lives in so many ways. My favorite part of this past week was participating in a drum circle with all the second grade students. It is clear that Shorecrest is a community that appreciates the arts and creativity. We never want to lose that sense of awe and inspiration that can happen when we read a story, see a painting or hear a piece of music. Our celebration reminds us that creating art is an important part of the educational journey for all students and that at Shorecrest, students have so many opportunities to express themselves through their art.
The celebration continues into next week with our Spring Music Concert on Thursday, April 25 at 7pm. The concert features grades 3-12 Concert Bands and the US Rock Band “very real,” the US Recording Arts Class and select student ensembles. I hope you get a chance to visit campus and enjoy some of the many displays of student talent and creativity through the arts!
Learn more about Celebrate the Arts Week and view photos.
All the best,
Nancy
