Calling All Students to Create

The vibrant arts curriculum at Curtis High is enriching community life in University Place.

I met with assistant principal Judson Miller to learn more about the exciting things going on there in music, drama, filmmaking, writing and visual arts. Miller praised the talents and creativity of the students, the entire faculty, and the parents and school district that support them.

"The faculty does so much," Miller said, referring to the way teachers from different departments build connections for the benefit of students.

Putting on a play or musical requires talents of many kinds. An example would be the stagecraft class that Briony Schroeder teaches, in addition to drama and English.

"It's like a shop class, where they are sawing and building all the stage works," Miller said. "She draws in a different group of kids. There are many crossovers. It's not just like a choir kid is a choir kid. That choir kid could be involved in any number of things. That's a credit to our staff."

The performing arts department at Curtis, under the leadership of Dave Dickerson, recently dazzled the community with two holiday concerts. The new year will bring the musical "Cinderella," and a three-day event called "Dance Blast," started by teacher Brenda Gormly about 22 years ago. It involves choreography by students and any kind of dance goes. Miller calls it "a real institution" and "wildly popular."

The visual arts programs are huge, too. John Lewtas gets kids engaged with painting or ceramics. Laurent Jarvis teaches audio-video skills. There's even a creative writing club.

Miller mentioned virtually every teacher by name ― and not just those in the arts ― describing the dedication and extras they offer.  Members of every department stay late to help students.

"It's a pretty special place," Miller said. "It starts with the community and the support we have."