December has always been our month of light, music, and joyful celebration, and, by cherished tradition, our Kindness Month. At HSArts we keep discovering that true kindness is far more than politeness or pleasantness. It often asks something of us: a moment of patience when we are tired, the courage to speak when silence would be easier, or the quiet gift of time and attention when nothing is expected in return. It is rarely convenient. At its deepest level, what we call redemptive kindness, it may even cost us our pride or our desire for revenge. Yet when we choose it, something extraordinary happens: we break the chain of hurt, heal a piece of the world, and grow into the fullest, most alive version of ourselves.

HSArts Spirit Week is this week! What is HSArts spirit? Our mascot, the Phoenix, rises from the ashes—a symbol of determination, resilience, and hope. That’s the artist’s path: we work hard, we persevere, we achieve, and we create.

We are off to a strong start this fall semester! In just three weeks, our students have demonstrated remarkable motivation and punctuality, setting a positive tone for the year ahead. This month, we have been focusing on study skills—goal-setting, creating daily schedules, and building productive habits. Each student has thoughtfully identified one specific skill to strengthen in order to become a more effective learner.

At HSArts, we often say that while farmers plant in the spring and harvest in the fall, schools plant in the fall and harvest in the spring. As we near the end of the school year, we’re celebrating a season filled with growth and achievement. From early morning classes to late-evening rehearsals, our students have worked hard all year—and now it’s time to recognize their incredible efforts.

What Makes an Exceptional Leader? Leadership shapes how we influence, inspire, and contribute to the world. While leadership skills like communication and decision-making are important, they are learned abilities—whereas leadership qualities like integrity, empathy, and resilience define who a leader is. Great leaders embody values, not just techniques. Unlike skills, qualities must be cultivated and lived by. At HSArts’ leadership class, we focus on developing both—empowering students to become exceptional leaders who make a lasting impact.

Happy Year of the Snake, everyone! The Snake is the sixth animal in the 12-year zodiac cycle, following the Dragon. While snakes are often associated with treachery and danger in modern symbolism, their place in the Chinese zodiac holds a much deeper meaning. In ancient Chinese culture, the Snake represents wisdom, transformation, and renewal. Its ability to shed its skin and emerge anew is seen as a powerful symbol of rebirth and personal growth.