End of the Year, Showcase and other thoughts

Our showcase event was amazing. The whole Ed Smith community came together to afford our students the best experience. Teachers and staff from the school helped to put up displays, work backstage, help students with costumes etc,. whether they had been a part of the after school program or not. Many parents, families and friends came to support their special stars. The performances were outstanding and held some surprises. Ms. Wallace's 2nd graders danced to a variety of songs, joined by parents and were even accompanied on the guitar and vocals by our very own Custodian Mr. Don Sawyer. Our 3rd and 4th grade Ballroom and Hip Hop dancers were so exiting to watch. A special appearance with their very talented teacher Ms.Akliah Cage dancing with them added a special touch and let our students know how talented they are. Mr. Heckman's class, after spending time in the classroom talking about building character, feelings and emotions performed a cover song by Rihanna and Eminem about the Monster (Anger) that lives in us all. Mr. Heckman played guitar while Zacari Dickerson played keyboard as others sang and danced. Ms. Jackie Warren Moore's Poetry Students shared their own masterpieces with us. After studying about the Holocaust and reading the story The Boy in Striped Pajama's, Calista Williams chose to perform the Martina McBride cover "Concrete Angel" with such heart it brought tears to so many eyes. The finale was performed by our 7th and 8th grade Culinary Arts students presenting their very own designer cakes with various themes they had researched online and then created.
After the showcase Mr. Barber and myself spent some time with our performers talking and sharing about the performance. For us, the moment was so very special as we again realized the difference the infusion of the arts with curriculum can make in all of our students. The pride on their faces and their reflections reaffirmed our commitment and even melted our hearts a bit, remembering the role the Arts played in our developing years. We know the lessons learned and self confidence building will help to carry them ahead.

I will be posting video's and pictures soon from the performance. So check back.

We will be having an end of year/cast party for teachers and students at the end of this week. The last day of After School will be Thursday May 15th.

Have a great summer. Stay Safe and don't forget to sign your students up for next year when applications become available. We have been working hard to bring some great new things to the program. If you know of someone with a special talent and would like to join our program let us know. Share your ideas with us.

Thank you to all of you who have supported us by your kind words, support and presence at the performance. We together are showing "our children" that community matters and that we are there for each other. It was amazing. As much hard work that went into it, Mr. Barber and I have already said we can't wait for next year. So as they say "On with the Show"!!!!

Mrs.Pampinella