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Martin Kellogg students showcase ‘Portrait of a Graduate’ through spring musical; board highlights arts in education
Summary
Martin Kellogg Middle School students and staff presented a segment from their spring musical (Frozen Junior) to the Board of Education as an example of district efforts to teach communication, collaboration and growth mindset through the arts.
Martin Kellogg Middle School presented a live excerpt and a short overview of its spring musical, Frozen Junior, at the Newington Board of Education meeting on April 23, illustrating how arts programming supports the district’s Portrait of a Graduate skills such as communication, critical thinking and collaboration.
Principal (identified in the meeting as) Mr. Lambert introduced the presentation and described how theatre rehearsals and productions require students to use digital communication tools, active listening, problem solving, time management and resilience. He said the production involved more than 200 students and parents in various capacities and that the program performs for community audiences and younger students.
Olivia Sheff Leon, the show’s director and a seventh‑grade English teacher, described themes of acceptance and perseverance in the production and introduced student performers who presented a short scene and song excerpt. Board members praised the students’ work and the district’s continuing commitment to the arts; trustee Sean Halloran and others described drama participation as teaching life skills and building confidence.
Why this matters: Board members and educators described arts programming as part of students’ holistic development and cited the production as an example of classroom learning applied in a public showcase. Trustees said the arts complement core academics and enrich students’ habits of work.
Next steps: Board members encouraged continued community support for school arts programs and noted positive district investment in the arts.
