Drama teacher weighs in on district bond

There has been much discussion in recent months concerning the Ritzville School District’s bond proposal. Here are my thoughts as an educator as to why we need to vote YES.

I serve as the high school drama teacher. It is wonderful that our small school has been able to offer this fine arts option to our students. The benefits of student learning experiences in the arts are undeniably academic.

According to the National Assembly of State Arts, there are “six major types of benefits associated with study of the arts and student achievement.”

These are reading and language skills, mathematical skills, thinking skills, social skills, motivation to learn and positive school environment. However, I encounter several obstacles which impede offering the full learning experiences in the arts.

One such problem is space. I share the drama classroom with one of the elementary staff members. I use this room to store costumes, properties, and larger set pieces. These are combined with the tables, chairs, and instructional materials for the elementary students. This makes for a crowded environment, which is not conducive to learning.

Although there is a stage in the building, we are unable to use this as elementary students need this space for physical education classes. Whenever there is a planned event in which the gym is needed for performances, banquets and other activities, elementary students go to the Gilson Gym for a couple of days. However, all of the elementary PE equipment is stored in the elementary gym. Therefore, several times during the school year, class routines and structures are broken, which is not conducive to learning.

Since the drama students are not able to use the stage for rehearsals, they encounter many difficulties. They rehearse in either the drama classroom or the English classroom. Desks, chairs, tables and other items must be pushed out of the way to make space for the actors to move. Antiquated heating systems belch and gurgle, which interferes with cues, discussions and directions. Students do not have the opportunity to work on fundamental theatre skills such as voice projection, blocking, sound, lighting, and staging. The day of the performance is often the first day of dress rehearsal. This makes for heightened nerves, which is not conducive to learning.

Imagine a school wherein our elementary PE students don’t have to be displaced during performances and other activities. Imagine a school wherein drama students can use the stage as their classroom and all instructional materials (set pieces, properties and costumes) are stored within reach of the acting area. Imagine a school wherein our students have the best opportunities to hone their acting skills and receive the full academic benefits of the performing arts.

Now, imagine this all becoming a reality. That is why I will cast a YES vote. I want OUR students to have the best environment that is conducive to learning. Voting YES will provide just that.

Allison Nichols, Ritzville