Students, teachers participating in WAC presentation attend reception
Posted on Tuesday, October 7, 2008
URL: http://www.nwanews.com/nwat/Academics/69891/
The Walton Arts Center hosted a reception for teachers and schools participating in its 100 Percent Schools initiative prior to Friday's performance of "San Jose Taiko."
The 100 Percent Schools Initiative is an effort by the center to provide students with more exposure to the arts, center director Terri Trotter said. A 100 Percent School commits to bringing all students to at least one Walton Arts Center event during the school year.
All of Fayetteville's elementary schools are participating 100 Percent Schools.
Happy Hollow Elementary teacher Susan Lane said she appreciated the district administration providing funds so schools could attend at least one performance. It was getting increasingly difficult to ask students or parents to buy tickets, even at a reduced cost, she said.
Lane said the fourth-grade class at Happy Hollow recently went to the center to watch the "Mufaro's Beautiful Daughters" production. All 69 fourth-graders were present that day, Lane said, and they were also able to tie the production in with a class lesson.
"That one particular program was better than a lot that I've seen," she said. "They were glued to their seats."
Trotter said she appreciates the sacrifices the participating schools make, in terms of field trip costs and class time, to bring students to the center.
"We do hope they [students] find some inspiration and greater appreciation for the arts," Trotter told teachers at the reception.
The center has a full-time employee, Mallisa Mobley, who works with schools on the scheduling to attend performances, workshops or other center events and answer questions from teachers.