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Scholars at Denzel Washington School of the Arts participate in playwriting workshop

Sixth grade English class posing for the camera with members of Arc Stage.
Scholars at Denzel Washington School of the Arts participate in playwriting workshop

Sixth grade students at Denzel Washington School of the Arts sat in the auditorium for a playwriting session on Tuesday, January 21, 2025. They raised their hands enthusiastically, as they shared their ideas for play plots with Arc Stages, a multifaceted arts organization from Pleasantville, New York.

Arc Stages is a theater that provides educational programming as well as community stage and professional programming. They partner with several school districts throughout Westchester, teaching young students about the arts and playwriting. 

Arc Stages began their visit to DWSA by performing a play about playwriting. The group sang songs about the importance of capturing a strong moral or goal for the story, as well as creating intriguing characters, setting, conflict and theme. 

Afterwards, members of Arc Stages visited classrooms to continue teaching students about playwriting. Students learned about how scripts are formatted and the proper way to write stage directions before developing their own plays. Students brainstormed ideas for their stories and began writing their plays. 

“It was fun, and I feel like this will help open up doors for me because I like writing stories. It’s fun to express yourself through them,” said Kimora Spence, a sixth grader at DWSA. “I had written a story, but I wasn’t quite sure how to finish it yet. I was hoping that I could read it to them, so that I could finish it. I think I might want to end it on a cliff hanger.”

Arc Stages will visit DWSA again on February 10, when they will assist with editing and revising students’ plays. 

Student eagerly raising her hand with member of Arc Stages standing next to her.
Two students writing at their desks.
Four students watching performance.
Member of Arc Stages pointing at student in audience
Student at desk talking to member of Arc Stages.

 

Students standing together in front of their work.
DWSA students create artwork for 'StickTogether' project

Last week, several groups of students at Denzel Washington School of the Arts completed collaborative “StickTogether” projects in the Denzel Washington Library. Students worked on the StickTogether, which replicated Vermeer's painting, "The Girl with the Pearl Earring." StickTogether projects promote mindfulness and positive teamwork. Eighth graders Liliana Oliveras and Anna McKoy were two of the many students who worked on these projects.

Judge Coverdale and attorney in front of group of students
DWSA students learn from Mount Vernon City Court Judge and an attorney for Law Day

Juniors and seniors at Denzel Washington School of the Arts engaged in an informative Law Day presentation with a judge and an attorney on Thursday. Mount Vernon City Court Judge Tamika A. Coverdale and City of Mount Vernon Corporation Counsel Brian G. Johnson focused their presentation on the United States Constitution. Law Day is celebrated to recognize the importance of the law in our society, and the presentation shed light on the impact of the Constitution on all Americans.

Mr. Maracle conducting students and Terra String Quartet.
DWSA students learn from and play alongside the Terra String Quartet

Denzel Washington School of the Arts Orchestra majors were visited by the Terra String Quartet, the Yale School of Music’s fellowship ensemble-in-residence, on Monday morning. Learning directly from professionals provides students with enriching first-hand experiences that give them a deeper understanding of their classroom learning by seeing, and practicing, the methods in which experts use their knowledge. 

 
Two students performing at poetry slam.
DWSA students perform in annual Poetry Slam

Denzel Washington School of the Arts students displayed their performing and creative writing skills at the annual Poetry Slam on Thursday afternoon. Students recited their original poems as well as performing songs by a variety of artists in numerous genres. Each performer was met with an applause of claps and snaps.

Congratulations to all the outstanding performers!

Click here to view the full video of the Poetry Slam on Facebook.

Click to view the photo gallery.

3 Students holding books from March Book Madness
Happy School Librarian Day! DWSA students complete March Madness bracket for books

For the month of March, Denzel Washington School of the Arts Library Media Specialist, Diana Wendell, inspired students to get excited about reading with a March Book Madness Challenge! Each week, middle and high school students were encouraged to vote for their favorites in the bracket.  This event started during National Read Across America Week. DWSA’s March Book Madness was part of a national program started by two school librarians: https://marchbookmadness.weebly.com/

Ms. Wheeler on stage with students.
DWSA Gospel Choir performs at Gospel Night

The Denzel Washington School of the Arts Gospel Choir sang their hearts out at Gospel Night last Friday under the direction of Creative Executive Director Angela Hall and Teacher Tanya Mack. Guest artists included Pastor Damon Mack & L.I.V. E. Nation, Joan Myers and Rich Tolbert, Jr. The celebration of gospel music featured soul stirring performances and a spiritual experience which charged the audience with energy!

Click here to view the photo gallery!

Click here to view the full livestream!