So, welcome parents and “cheers to another school year – and another chance for us to get it right!”
Poem
Life's Stream
By Mac a’Bhaird
We stand by the stream
With all of our dreams
Our sails set for a bright tomorrow
We'll travel together
Through all kinds of weather
Through sunshine of bliss
And storm clouds of sorrow.
Coming together is a beginning..
Staying together is progress
Working together is success!
(Henry Ford)
Almost everything comes from nothing.”
(Henry Amiel)
All students (PreK-5th grade including high school) will be taught the importance of good communication, and how to utilize those learned theatrical techniques to enhance their public speaking skills.
Each week students in grades PreK through 5th grade will participate in a wide variety of theatrical exercises designed to help our students gain confidence and help build their self esteem.
The beginning of the school year has our children learning:
Areas of the stage
Key communication skills (e.g. the difference between toast and oatmeal)
Professional theatrical terms from our word wall, e.g.:
- Off book
- Cheat out
- Blocking
- Striking the set
Just to name a few.
The fall months will quickly find many of our students busy in rehearsals for their upcoming assembly performances, e.g.
9/21 Fifth Grades participating in our “Getting to Know You Assembly.”
11/9 Second Grade – “Communities Around the world.”
11/16 Third Grade – Galli/ Smith “Our Native American Celebration.”
12/15 Holiday Musical
“Beauty and the Beast.”
Our Fourth Graders will hold the title roles in our holiday show extravaganza. Students in First, Second, and Third grades will play supporting roles, each with a special song and choreographed number.
Fifth Graders will once again open our show with a short medley of wonderful tunes chosen by their music teacher, Mr. Schwartz.
The Goal of Drama: Is to ignite each student’s interests and help them to reach their highest creative potential.
“My hope is that every Portledge student learns to love and honor themselves enough, to freely share their thoughts and opinions, and to do so in a confident and articulate manner.”
Deni Cavrell
I recognize that every individual student brings with them their true authentic self. My job, as their educator is to encourage, motivate and nurture whoever shows up at my door.
“I always encourage my students to do things that don’t compute. To think outside the box. I don’t see myself as a cookie cutter person- why would I expect anything less from my students?”
Drama class has always been a work in progress. Every finished product is a unique culmination of hard work from that particular class’s dreams and personal interests.
“If a child shows interest – I’m going to go with it. After all, I have a responsibility to follow as much as lead.”