In recognition of National Arts in Education Week, we visited three campuses to highlight the different fine arts programs our students of all ages can participate in and learn from.
At the elementary level, we visited Voigt Elementary’s string class, where Kayla Green, the strings instructor, said she strives to create a warm, encouraging, and collaborative environment in her classroom.
One student said they loved Ms. Green’s class because it allowed them to be creative and make friends while playing music.
“I love feeling like I can help young students grow to love learning because that will serve them for the rest of their lives, both in and out of the music classroom,” Green said.
Performing arts is a fantastic way for students to use their energy and ideas to create and participate in something collaborative. Elementary students can dip their toes into the world of music and performance, igniting passions that can carry on into their middle and high school experiences.
After visiting with Hopewell Middle School’s advanced theater program, Hopewell theater student Henry Humes said he likes participating in theater because he enjoys imagining himself in other people’s shoes.
“I like getting to be someone I’m not, or playing how I feel I am, but being able to take that and amplify it because I’m on stage and no one cares,” he said.
The eighth grader said he plans to continue trying theater in high school next year. Performing arts classes and programs, like theater, allow students to understand empathy on a deeper level, as acting and working with others in a shared space creates collaboration and soft skills they can use in their everyday lives.
After exploring some of the many options in Round Rock ISD’s performing arts programs, we visited with a visual arts class at McNeil High School to learn more about how creating art can be a creative outlet for students.
For McNeil junior, Izzy Park, art gives her a sense of belonging.
“I like art class because it helps me express my feelings and who I am as a person,” she said. “I also love the community and friends I’ve made!”
For all art classes, students cannot only express themselves in different ways but also find a community of other creators who can help inspire them while building friendships and connections that can last a lifetime.
Co-Director of Fine Arts, Jager Loyde, stresses the importance of programs like these.
“At all grade levels and campuses, the fine arts support student learning by developing critical thinking skills, encouraging active participation in learning across the curriculum, and providing opportunities for self-expression through a variety of disciplines,” he said.
Round Rock ISD offers 11 fine arts programs to all kindergarten through twelfth-grade students.
