‘Meet the Governor’s School’
Published 9:05 pm Friday, November 26, 2010
A group of students recently visited Japan with the Governor School of the Arts, which will be holding a presentation on Nov. 30 to familiarize parents and students with its program.
Suffolk Public Schools will host a “Meet the Governor’s School” night for students and parents who are interested in the performing arts and would like to pursue the arts beyond the programs offered at the middle and high school levels.
The presentation will be held Nov. 30 at King’s Fork Middle School at 6:30 p.m. A representative will share information about the program and the application and audition processes.
“The benefits of the program are numerous,” said Phyllis Sharpe, coordinator of high schools in Suffolk Public Schools. “Students have the opportunity to study with other students across the region who are also interested in the arts. Instructors in the program have a wealth of experiences that they share with the students. Students also participate in major productions sponsored by the Governor’s School.”
The mission of The Governor’s School for the Arts is to “create and maintain an educational environment for gifted students that maximizes the artistic talent of each individual and to promote arts in the community,” according to its website.
Families will learn about the programs that are offered at the Governor’s School, including dance, musical theater, theater, instrumental music, visual arts and vocal music. Parents and students also can obtain information on the adjudication process for entrance into the school.
Students currently enrolled in the program will share their experiences with the Governor’s School, as well.
A few Suffolk students enrolled in the Governor’s School of the Arts recently went to Japan and have performed with Tokyo’s Nittai Dai Dance Group.
Suffolk has 29 students enrolled in the program. Three are in ninth grade, three are in 10th grade, 13 are in 11th grade and 10 are in 12th grade.
Governor’s School students take academic classes at their regular high schools in the morning and attend the arts school for three hours in the afternoon daily during the regular academic year. Transportation to and from the school is provided by the student’s school division. Classes may be individual lessons, small or large groups or rehearsals.
The average class size is 12.
Students may earn three credits for each year they attend the Governor’s School.
Call Sharpe at 925-6760 for more information.
