Friday, February 22nd marked the first “Immersed in the Arts” day when the first groups from both Westwind Elementary and Admiral Seymour School visited The Arts Connection for a day of collaborating, learning, teaching, and growing. Here were the highlights of the day:

8:50a.m. – It is quiet and there is a sense of calm throughout the building. Fresh name tags are organized neatly on the table, ready to be worn. A welcome sign stands ready to greet visiting students and teachers. A feeling that it will be an amazing day lingers in the air.

9:15a.m. – The buses arrive and students bound in, not quite sure of what the day will bring, but filled with excitement nonetheless. Each one has their own story and today their stories will intertwine.

9:30a.m. – Linda Shirley warmly welcomes friends from Admiral Seymour and Westwind Elementary and reveals her historical roots to Admiral Seymour, the spark that gave life to this project. The students sit with friends, still unsure of what to make of the students from the other school. An amazing day is planned as the students are ushered to their first classes.

9:45a.m. The mood is calm and focused and imagination is hard at work in visual arts class. As the students are challenged to sculpt hot air balloons out of a slab of clay, airy conversations start to break the ice. The students show a real flair for the arts as intricate pieces begin to emerge. The potential and talent cannot be denied.

11:30a.m. – The students are out of their comfort zones in a rousing theatre class where they emulate birds in flight. The metaphor extends beyond the exercise. The students are encouraged to soar, to break down walls and not to be afraid to show another part of themselves. They quickly learn that not all nails that stick out are hammered down.

12:40p.m. – An eager line forms for the delicious lunch that awaits. The students chatter about their busy morning as they partake in chicken fingers, pasta, veggies and fruit. There is an air of excitement in the room as the students discuss their afternoon classes
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1:15p.m. – The rhythmic beat is infectious as the students expertly follow the choreography in hip hop class. The movements are precise but smooth. As the steps become increasingly difficult, everyone rises to the occasion and puts in their best effort. It is okay to be terrified when you are doing something new. Dancing, like life, is about doing it one step at a time.

2:05p.m. – What was once a low humming of voices less than an hour ago has transformed into a swelling rendition of Cyndi Lauper’s “True Colors” in Glee Class. The students have taken Ms. Morri-Lynn’s advice to heart and the song’s message is reflected in the students’ singing. Their collective voices fills the stairwells and brings tears to the eyes of nearby listeners. Guards are let down and insecurities are forgotten – it is pure magic.

2:30p.m. – The day ends much differently than it started. The lobby rings with the sound of loud laughter and excited chatter as everyone gets ready to leave. With friendships forged and new experiences to cherish, everyone leaves with a fresh perspective and a new realization that dreams are not just for other children.

You can read more about Immersed in the Arts, a special project under our Reach to Teach Program.

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