Howdy Folks!
I’m trying this new format – please feel free to comment! The blog might make it easier to keep us all connected and part of the ongoing “theatre in our schools” conversation.
Hope this week finds you Swine Flu Free… Our sympathies to Bill, Jennipher and Amy over at SCPA. Let us know if you need a place to hang out over the next couple of weeks. We’d love to have you do “special guest appearances” at some sites, if you are available! It would be a great time for you to share your expertise with us.
Board Meeting and Town Hall - Last week I attended both meetings. The good news is that magnet busing and dual site-principal positions were both removed from the chopping block. Those of you who were waiting on course approvals for next year, the board voted to approve them. Now I’m only waiting on your sample syllabus and resource lists. Let me know if you need help! Textbooks for the arts were still not approved. The VAPA office is still on the cuts list. Please feel free to email the board members with your concerns. They definitely respond to the squeaky wheel.
At the Town Hall meeting there were several political representatives from both the local and state level. One of the key points made was that just 10 emails are considered a landslide of public sentiment. That’s how little they hear from people and how much power we can possibly have. Email me if you would like more info on what went on at this meeting. Things are looking bad all over and the legislators have really hung their hats on the 1A, etc., propositions for this coming election. They feel that if those don’t pass, we will have close to ANOTHER 40 -50 billion $$ cut to education. Even if they do pass we are looking at a likely $8 billion shortfall.
The next board meeting is May 12th at 5:00.
SAVE THE DATE! Our VAPA kickoff will be September 1st from 8 - 12. We are hoping to have an Alexander Technique workshop in addition to other things. If you are unfamiliar with this practice, it is an amazing approach to bodywork and breathing. I had an opportunity to study this at ACT in San Francisco and have used it ever since. Check out this article: http://tinyurl.com/d6grwh.
Another Grant Opportunity - The San Diego Foundation has grants for high school arts teachers! Recognizing that arts funding is lacking, the San Diego Teachers' Fund created the "Arts in the Classroom" program to provide grants of up to $1,000 to high school arts teachers. Visit www.sdfoundation.org/grant. Deadline is 5:00pm, Monday, May 18, 2009. Questions? Call (619) 814-1343 or email teachersfund@sdfoundation.org.
Looking for Lion King? Here’s a link for discounted tickets for the San Diego run - http://tinyurl.com/d3xtjf
Congratulations to Joey Grzenia! He’s the theatre prep time teacher at Sherman Elementary and was voted teacher of the year at his site! He’s started an amazing program this year, including performances for every grade level. Way to go!
It’s award season! Here’s a company that I have worked with that has great prices, delivery and service. I found it more convenient than some local businesses. http://tinyurl.com/dmgzcu.
Bravissimo is coming! Come have a great time and hang out with friends and colleagues. http://www.sdcoe.net/sdeta/ I’ll be there and would love to see you!
Take the kids to see a show! Upcoming Productions:
Shakespeare Festival – Dana Middle School
May 14 & 15 – contact kkocar@sandi.net
Murder in the Air – Hoover High
May 15, 16 & 17 – contact lwilliams5@sandi.net
Eurydice – La Jolla High
May 20, 21, 22 & 23 – contact alyon-boutelle@sandi.net
The Bad Seed – Madison High
May 20, 21 & 22 – contact cthomas@sandi.net
Guys & Dolls, Jr. – Dana Middle School
May 27, 28 & 29 – contact wcobb1@sandi.net
High School Musical 2 – Pershing Middle School
May 27, 28 & 29 – contact tmiller2@sandi.net
