Grover Washington, Jr. Middle School Debuts as
ArtsRising’s Newest ArtsZone Hub
WHAT: Using the arts to transform school culture and improve learning, Grover Washington, Jr. Middle School will host two events to mark its debut as Philadelphia’s newest ArtsRising ArtsZone Hub School:
· A Community-wide ‘ArtSee’ featuring an Open House with student writing, drawing, painting, puppetry and photography –merged with reading, math, and science learning.
· More than 50 Middle School Students will perform and participate in the school’s first-ever theatrical presentation: The Musical - Once Upon and Island.
WHO: ArtsRising has implemented ArtsZones –anchored by schools that are linked integrally to their surrounding neighborhoods and arts resources in the communities and the larger city, to improve and expand equitable access to arts education for the children in Greater Philadelphia.
Parents, community members and VIP’s (including elected officials) will attend these events to preview how learning in and through the arts is enhancing school culture, offering students a forum to showcase their talents and providing opportunities for the school to develop stronger ties with the community around them.
Teachers will also be on hand to share how the arts are supporting student engagement and success.
WHEN: ArtSee: February 23 at 10:30 am -12:00 pm
Once Upon an Island: February 25 at 7:00 pm/February 26 at 2:00 pm
WHERE: Grover Washington, Jr. Middle School
(201 E. Olney Avenue, Philadelphia)
SPONSOR: ArtsRising, a youth initiative organization funded by the Philadelphia Education Fund, Public Citizens for Children and Youth and the Fleisher Art Memorial.
COVERAGE:
· Feature story on transformation of school into an ArtsZone Hub
· Preview performance, calendar listing
· Cover performance or ArtSee: interview attendees and leadership
WHY: Highlight positive youth-oriented story that is helping communities thrive.
CONTACT: Rosslynn Pieters, Communications for ArtsRising. (914) 833-7093 rpieters@douglasgould.com; or Patricia Haubnerphaubner@douglasgould.com
ArtsRising is a bridge to connect all children in Greater Philadelphia through schools and neighborhoods to the city’s diverse arts and cultural community and a high-quality education inclusive of the arts to prepare young people for success in school and in life. A collaborative initiative, ArtsRising is lead by a partnership between the Philadelphia Education Fund, Public Citizens for Children and Youth and Fleisher Art Memorial. To learn more about ArtsRising visit: www.myartsrising.org.
