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Middletown schools spotlight Black History Month, Legacy Academy and Unified Theater
Summary
At its Feb. 10 meeting the Middletown School District highlighted Black History Month exhibits, the Legacy Academy therapeutic program and the student-driven Unified Theater, with staff and students describing program goals, enrollment and next steps for expansion and community engagement.
MIDDLETOWN — The Middletown School District opened its Feb. 10 Board of Education meeting with district program highlights, including Black History Month exhibits, a status report on Legacy Academy and a presentation from the Unified Theater program.
Dr. Adley introduced a recognition of Black History Month and a new African American Cultural Center created by Raymond Towns, which district staff said has produced displays and outreach across several schools. "The center was founded to ensure the continued preservation, education, and celebration of African American history and culture," the board heard, and staff pointed to displays at McDonough Kegwin and Dundas schools.
Vassian Spalding, director of pupil services and special education, summarized Legacy Academy, a district-based therapeutic program serving grades 7–12 with two tracks (regular and special education). Spalding said the program provides small classes, integrated mental-health supports and an emphasis on social-emotional learning and life skills. "The program provides small class sizes, individualized academic instruction, and integrated mental health and social emotional supports within a highly structured environment," Spalding told the board. She said Legacy currently enrolls 21 students (16 regular-education students and 9 special-education students as described in the presentation) and noted ongoing staffing vacancies for a coordinator and two teachers. Spalding reported the Legacy budget as $1,291,422.80 and stated the program is fully cost- or grant-funded.
Randall, director of food, nutrition and wellness services, described the program's culinary component and a partnership with a Chefs to Schools grant that provides hands-on cooking instruction and ServSafe manager-level training for students. He said students will have the opportunity to test for ServSafe manager certification by year’s end.
Sydney White, a Middletown teacher and director of Unified Theater, presented the student-driven theater program. "The show is completely student driven," White said, noting that participants select the title, write lines, choose songs and choreograph performances. Students who took the floor described Unified Theater as a source of friendships and belonging; student testimonials emphasized inclusion, performance skills and community reach. Board members discussed potential Legacy Academy enrollment expansion to about 35 students in the next year.
The district said materials shown to the board — including photographs and an events flyer — will be posted on the high-school website and that staff will share additional information electronically with board members.
The board did not take any formal votes related to these program presentations. The meeting later moved into financial and policy business.
