TEACHER
2400 Hildebrand St.
Charlotte, NC 28216
980-343-5178
http://schools.cms.k12.nc.us/
universityparkES
ghes
helle Hu
Rayc
By Holly
TAKEAWAYS
SCHOOL
ARTS
EATIVE
ARK CR
P
ERSITY
5
UNIV
PRINCIPAL’S
TOP 10
“Through the arts,
Principal Janice L. Davidson shares
the top 10 things to know about
University Park Creative Arts School.
1
University Park Creative Arts
Elementary is a Visual & Performing
Arts A+ Magnet School. We offer
children opportunities to develop
creative, innovative ways of thinking,
learning and showing what they know.
Multiple Intelligences and
arts integration are used to engage
students and to provide a two-way
approach to teaching and learning.
6
Our teachers and staff are eager to
go the extra mile for each child and
his or her family.
7
Technology provides opportunities
for our students to seek out
information needed.
Du
Shalonda
kes
to become creative
problem-solvers,
productive citizens and
lifelong learners.”
8
3
9
10
A+ Essentials include: Arts,
Curriculum, Multiple Learning
Pathways, Enriched Assessment,
Experiential Learning, Collaboration,
Climate and Infrastructure.
Being an A+ school allows our staff
to work more collaboratively, and to
focus on the vision of our school.
Ja
28 – My School Rocks! | October2014
January 2013
UPCA has an active basketball
team and cheerleaders! The UPCA
Stars are practicing and eager to bring
another championship to our school!
Our parents are amazing. Our PTA
is working to ignite the passion,
support and love that we once had for
our school.
My primary goal this year is to
communicate and strengthen
our school’s vision. Our decisions will
be based on our beliefs that the Arts and
Multiple Intelligences will be used as the
primary vehicle to strengthen student
learning and student achievement.
“Arts + Academics = Success”
MSR: Can you give me an example of
what you mean?
Dukes: Absolutely. The first grade
team decided to teach halves and
quarters with music. We found “Fraction
Pizza.” The song is sung like “He’s Got
the Whole World in His Hands,” but
instead of having the whole world in
their hands, the kids sing about pizza.
I hold up a circular reference chart and
take away half and then a quarter until
there is none. We also add pieces back
and create a whole.
Jordan, Fif
t
h Grader
MSR:
Why
does
your
school
rock?
Jordan:
It’s
amazing
to get
different
ways to
express
myself.
MSR: Are you rehearsing a play now?
Jordan: We’re rehearsing “The Little
Mermaid.” I’m Ursula.
MSR: What artistic element do you
most often use?
Dukes: Music, because I can reach
various multiple intelligences.
2
STUDENT
STORY
MSR: What are your favorite ways of
expressing yourself?
Jordan: I love drama and visual arts.
MSR: What do you like about teaching
at a performing arts school?
Dukes: The performing arts aspects
make learning fun and engaging.
All students, K-5, work with a
certified professional in the areas
of Visual Art, Dance, Drama and Music
each week. We want our students
to be self-expressive and to bring their
innate talent and creativity to their
learning within an aligned and structured
environment.
vidson
nice L. Da
I’ve got a whole pizza in my
hands. (Extend arms in a circle.)
I’ve got a whole pizza in my
hands.
I’ve got a whole pizza in my
hands.
And now I’ll eat some up.
Yum Yum
I’ve got half a pizza…
And now I’ll eat some up.
I’ve got 1/4 of a pizza…
And now I’ll eat some up.
Yum Yum
I’ve got no more pizza in my
hands…
Now I ate it all up
Yum Yum
First grade teacher Shalonda Dukes
has the whole world in her hands
and she knows it.
4
students will be inspired
MSR: Sounds like fun!
Dukes: It is. This is the song the way
my students sing it:
MSR: Wow, that costume must be
amazing.
Jordan: We’ve got to get the show
down first before we get to add
costumes, hairpieces and other things.
MSR: When is the show?
Jordan: March 13.
MSR: What is your favorite visual art?
Jordan: Graffiti.
School Photos
by LunahZon
MSR: Why graffiti?
Jordan: There are three different styles:
bubble letters, block letters and wild
style. My favorite is wild style. I love it
because I get to write letters and create
a masterpiece. I am working on a graffiti
piece in Art.
www.myschoolrocks.com | My School Rocks!
29