Arts @Westropp

Clara Westropp School has partnered with credentialed teaching artist, Tom Evert of Dance Evert, to lead a 40-week "Artist in Residence" for our students.  Mr. Evert's unique and cutting-edge programming has proven successful in many school communities. Mr. Evert leads our students and staff in the following popular residency program offerings: "Triangle Sit & Popsicle Stick" (Pre-K/K), "Dance of Life: Water Cycle", (Grs. 1 & 2), "Dancing with Worms: Energy & States of Matter" (Gr. 3), and "Geometry in Motion" (Gr. 4), These sessions, generously funded by the Ohio Arts Council, are conducted in our spacious school library and gymnasium.  More information regarding these wonderful programs may be found at www.danceevert.org

The exciting Dance Evert school residency program provides learning through the integration of the art of dance with STEM content. Professional Development for staff introduces new teaching methods and lends support to current lesson planning and teaching methodologies. The Dance Evert teaching artists collaborate with our staff and students in the planning and assessment of the programming. Our Westropp students and staff will ultimately learn "in, through, and about the arts", while enjoying deep learning in science and math. Current educational research has shown that regular art experiences stimulate inquiry, problem-solving, creativity and social-emotional learning. Students are afforded the opportunities to engage in movement as an expressive language, as they demonstrate learning the standards of math and science.

Inherent in expressive movement is social/emotional learning, including self-awareness, decision-making, relationship skills, collaboration and self-regulation.  The conscious practices of breathing, posture, movement, and mindfulness are also introduced. These skills are the crucial precursors to attention and learning readiness. The Westropp staff also learn new, creative and relevant strategies to use directly in their classrooms, to engage their students in a hands-on and meaningful way. The culminating student performances naturally create a cohesive school culture, while building crucial bridges within our family community.

 Disney Musicals in Schools at Westropp – In Partnership with Playhouse Square 
At Clara E. Westropp, we are proud to continue our partnership with Playhouse Square through the Disney Musicals in Schools program. Now in its second year, this initiative brings the joy and creativity of musical theater to our 3rd-, 4th-, and 5th-grade students. This year, we’re excited to present Aladdin, a magical production that will showcase our students’ talents both onstage and behind the scenes.

Through this partnership, we share a set of powerful goals that guide our work:

• Establishing a sustainable musical theater program that becomes a lasting part of our school culture.
• Empowering teachers with the training and resources needed to support student performances and productions.
• Fostering a deep appreciation for the arts among students, staff, and families.
• Building a strong, inclusive community that connects students, families, faculty, and local cultural organizations.
• Developing essential life skills in students—such as collaboration, creativity, communication, confidence, and critical thinking—through the process of producing musical theater.

These goals reflect not only the mission of Disney Musicals in Schools but also Westropp’s commitment to arts education as a vital part of student growth and success. We’re excited to continue this journey and can’t wait to share the magic of Aladdin with our entire school community!