Pen Pal in Arts
Started in the fall of 2007, the nationally recognized Pen Pal in Arts program has provided third grade students with unique opportunities to learn from and form relationships with performers working in the fine arts. This program requires third grade students to use their writing and reading skills, along with making connections in their social studies and literacy curriculums.
While studying the fine arts is not required third grade curriculum, it is Mr. Sammons's belief that opening the eyes and minds of our youth to the fine arts will improve academic performance, enhance student creativity, prepare them for tomorrow's workplace, and foster the curiosity and love for learning which is and will always be timeless. So in short, why do we do it? Because we want them to remember.
While studying the fine arts is not required third grade curriculum, it is Mr. Sammons's belief that opening the eyes and minds of our youth to the fine arts will improve academic performance, enhance student creativity, prepare them for tomorrow's workplace, and foster the curiosity and love for learning which is and will always be timeless. So in short, why do we do it? Because we want them to remember.
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A few of the activities we have collaborated on are
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For an eighth year, we welcome Hayley Podschun back to our program. Hayley recently finished touring the country with Wicked the Musical. She currently is working on a Vassar and New York Film and Stage project called In Your Arms. This fall, she will be in Connecticut originating a role in the world premier of the the musical, Holiday Inn. She has previously been involved in the Los Angeles production of Parade, Arvada production of Legally Blonde the Musical in Colorado, touring production of Hairspray, off-Broadway in Freckleface Strawberry, and in Broadway productions of The Sound of Music, Hairspray, Pal Joey, Sunday in the Park with George, Anything Goes, and Chaplin the Musical.
You can check out Hayley's website HERE.
In November of 2013, 41 lucky third and fourth grade students took a field trip, sponsored by the Iowa Arts Council, to the Des Moines Civic Center to meet with Hayley as she was playing Glinda in the touring production of Wicked. Shortly before the trip, Mr. Sammons received a call from the Civic Center announcing that a very generous donation had been made in the request that the students alter plans and not only come to visit Hayley, but see a matinee show of Wicked. The students got to meet with Hayley both before and after the show. Be sure to see the photos below!
Des Moines Register article on our visit can be found HERE.
Des Moines Performing Arts blog about our visit can be found HERE.
We are lucky to have found a talented artist who is willing to share her experiences with us and help us grow as learners!
In June of 2014 Mr. Sammons was invited to New York City to receive the Broadway League Apple Educator Award for the Pen Pal in Arts collaboration between Hayley, the Des Moines Performing Arts, and himself. For the day's blog go HERE. Other pictures are below!
Radio Iowa article on the award can be found HERE.
BroadwayWorld.com article on the awards can be found HERE.
Des Moines Performing Arts blog about our collaboration can be found HERE.
Waterloo/Cedar Falls Courier article on the collaboration can be found HERE.
Click here to watch the 2010 pen pal video
Click here to watch the 2011 pen pal video
You can check out Hayley's website HERE.
In November of 2013, 41 lucky third and fourth grade students took a field trip, sponsored by the Iowa Arts Council, to the Des Moines Civic Center to meet with Hayley as she was playing Glinda in the touring production of Wicked. Shortly before the trip, Mr. Sammons received a call from the Civic Center announcing that a very generous donation had been made in the request that the students alter plans and not only come to visit Hayley, but see a matinee show of Wicked. The students got to meet with Hayley both before and after the show. Be sure to see the photos below!
Des Moines Register article on our visit can be found HERE.
Des Moines Performing Arts blog about our visit can be found HERE.
We are lucky to have found a talented artist who is willing to share her experiences with us and help us grow as learners!
In June of 2014 Mr. Sammons was invited to New York City to receive the Broadway League Apple Educator Award for the Pen Pal in Arts collaboration between Hayley, the Des Moines Performing Arts, and himself. For the day's blog go HERE. Other pictures are below!
Radio Iowa article on the award can be found HERE.
BroadwayWorld.com article on the awards can be found HERE.
Des Moines Performing Arts blog about our collaboration can be found HERE.
Waterloo/Cedar Falls Courier article on the collaboration can be found HERE.
Click here to watch the 2010 pen pal video
Click here to watch the 2011 pen pal video
General Photos |
Wicked in Des Moines Photos |