CRESTVIEW — Northwood Elementary School’s Arts Academy is underway and introducing students to drama, music and dance. The school obtained three teachers for the 2013-14 school year to teach arts-centered classes for all Northwood grade levels.
Students attend two weekly fine arts classes in drama, music or dance, and can participate in showcases to enhance academics, according to the school’s website.
Drama teacher Peggy Pierce is optimistic about how the arts can complement core lessons.
"It gives (students) a chance to not only learn, but to bring out some of their silliness," she said. "I think a lot of that will help them build their self-esteem."
Pierce plans to work with other instructors and Principal Dr. Donna Goode to combine art classes for school performances.
Dance teacher Jasmin Roser said both boys and girls are enjoying the dance curriculum.
"At first you get a little hesitancy, especially from the boys," Roser said. "I reassure them that we are not here to turn them into ballerinas … we're here to become artists and creative people."ˆp Music teacher Jeri Downs — who previously taught 30-minute class sessions — said she is excited to have more classroom time with students.
"If you know anything about the music teachers in our county … we are lucky (that) we can get 40 or 45 minutes," she said.
"It’s amazing what 10 added minutes to your class will do," Downs said. "When you're teaching them an instrument, you want to make sure you teach them right."
This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Arts Academy begins at Northwood Elementary School