At J. Wallace James Elementary, students are not just learning, they are thriving through unique opportunities that spark creativity and build confidence from an early age. Under the guidance of Hannah Briggs, the drama program invites young learners to explore the world of performance, where they engage in imaginative play while developing essential acting skills.
From the moment they step into the drama class, students learn how to express themselves through their bodies, voices, and minds, transforming into characters and bringing stories to life. Each session is filled with laughter, exploration, and the excitement of discovering what it means to be on stage. As students progress, they have the opportunity to participate in school productions, working with costumes, props, and scripts, giving them a taste of the theatrical world.
But the journey doesn’t end there. The older drama students take their skills to the next level by producing the school’s daily morning announcements. Under the direction of Ms. Briggs and Mrs. Rachel Courville, the 3-5 Technology Integration teacher, these announcements are transformed into a televised news show featuring 4th and 5th graders as on-camera anchors. They share the daily lunch menu, celebrate school-wide birthdays, highlight national days, and promote upcoming events, bringing energy and enthusiasm to every morning.
Not only do these students shine in front of the camera, but they also assume the important role of editing the clips, gaining valuable, real-world experience in media production. Their hard work creates a vibrant, student-generated news program that the entire Willow Street community looks forward to each day.
Thanks to this innovative program, students at J. Wallace James Elementary are not only building confidence through their training but also gaining skills that will benefit them long into the future. Each day begins with a bright dose of creativity and sunshine, courtesy of the talented young performers who are learning to express themselves and connect with their peers through the art of drama.