Dear LCMSD Community,
We are thrilled to announce the launch of a brand-new Musical Theater program at The Cove School and Neil Cummins Elementary. As you may be aware, California recently passed Prop 28 to fund arts and music in schools. It is required that Prop 28 funds be used to provide additional arts programming. To gather feedback on how these monies might be used, we met with our employee associations, LCMEA and CSEA, as well as our Fiscal Advisory Committee. Additionally all parents and staff were given the opportunity to share feedback and ideas for additional programs via survey. Musical theater rose to the top of that list. We are very excited to grow that idea into a reality. After a rigorous selection process, Cove teacher, Leslie Sloan, has been selected for this position. Congratulations Ms. Sloan!
We also want to take this opportunity to share our gratitude for the SPARK foundation, who have locally funded music and art programs to the tune of $1.2M each year, despite the lack of state funding. SPARK funds elementary music, STEM lab, art, counseling/wellness along with middle school electives, band, choir, and counseling. With this new state funding of approximately $146,000 per year, we now have an opportunity to add musical theater to the mix!
What will this program look like? Under the guidance of our talented teacher, Leslie Sloan, students will have the opportunity to explore the magical world of musical theater. Leslie brings with her a wealth of experience and a passion for nurturing students in the space of theater and music, making her the perfect fit for this program.
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A note from Ms. Sloan:
I'm thrilled to be the new musical theater teacher! I have been a classroom teacher at Cove School for the past three years, and I am so excited to bring my passion for movement and love for the stage to both Cove and Neil Cummins Schools.
As a lifelong lover of the arts, I've danced, sung, and acted my way through many theater productions, and have incorporated skills I’ve learned into my classroom teaching. Now, I'm absolutely delighted to bring those experiences and expertise to your children in a new setting!
In our musical theater class, we'll explore the magic of storytelling through movement, song, and dance. From learning the fundamentals of rhythm in movement and song, to exploring improv, choreography, and stage presence, we'll work together to grow your confidence and unlock their inner performer. I'm committed to fostering an inclusive and supportive environment where each and every student can thrive. Together, we'll celebrate our differences, lift each other up, and create something truly special.
Coyotes… get ready to sing, dance, and dazzle, because we've got a spectacular show ahead of us! I can't wait to embark on this musical theater journey with all of you and see the magic we'll create together!
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We are working to develop a program that fosters creativity, confidence, public speaking skills, movement and teamwork - all while supporting grade level standards. In some grade levels, this will culminate in a performance, and in others, it will be more about musical theater activities and personal development students glean from this experience.
Please note, we are still developing the schedule in conjunction with all of the other enrichment classes. As we determine which grade levels get which enrichment opportunities, we strive to provide a robust K-5 experience over the course of your child’s elementary school years.
Please join me in welcoming Ms. Sloan into this new role!
Sincerely,
Michelle Walker
Principal
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