HSArts Community Newsletter – Apr 28

Mr. David Gallagher, English Teacher

In English class, we build skills and knowledge in reading and writing which are very important and necessary for success. However, just as important are the skills and attitudes that help students manage their time, work well with others, solve problems, and behave in an ethical manner. These abilities are known as transferable skills because they can be developed in one environment, such as the classroom, and then transferred to future environments, such as a university or the workplace. The absence of these skills in the workplace is called the “skills gap.” 

The success of our students is very important, not only because we personally want them to succeed, but also because our mission statement specifies that “the curriculum nurtures in students universal values and a sense of civic duty so they may positively contribute to the world.” Many of the transferable skills that students need to succeed at SFHSA are the same as those that will help them succeed in college and on-the-job, such as time management, teamwork, honesty, and responsibility. 

In English class, I require my students to hand in their assignments on time, collaborate effectively on group projects, take accurate notes, avoid plagiarism, and use school planners and Google Classroom to know when assignments are due rather than relying on the teacher to provide them with reminders. The lessons they learn as they develop these transferable skills will not always be easy and the consequences they experience on their way to mastering these skills may sometimes cause them to describe me as an overly-demanding or a “mean” teacher. But I am willing to bear this title, and to bear it proudly, if it helps our students to succeed.

Thank you,
Mr. Gallagher

Ms. Hannah Ogden, Theatre Arts Director

Our Musical Theatre students have been working hard all year, learning the fundamental skills of Acting, Singing, and Dance. We are proud to invite you to our final production of the 2022-23 school year, Charlotte’s Web the Musical! This classic story has been reimagined to include toe-tapping musical numbers that highlight all of the technique and skill that our students have built this year. Our performers have spent weeks building their characters, rehearsing their songs, and practicing choreography. Please join us on May 19th at 6 PM in Studio 2 to see our students in action for the final time this year!