Blog - San Francisco High School of the Arts

2023-10-102023-12-10Community Newsletter

HSArts Community Newsletter – Oct 6

San Francisco High School of the Arts Community Newsletter | Oct 6, 2023

FROM THE ADMINISTRATION

Important Dates
Oct 9 Columbus Day (no school)
Oct 16-20 Spirit Week
Oct 20 Basketball game vs Stratford

Remarks from our Head of School

HSArts is getting more recognized in the international community after our highly successful Taiwan trip in the spring break of March 2023. We have had visits from 12 Taiwanese school principals and directors from Taipei in the past weeks. We have a scheduled visit from the Incheon Metropolitan city office of education at the end of this month and another group of principals from Taiwan in December. Our high schoolers may go on another cultural exchange trip to Taiwan school again this coming spring. Go Phoenix!

Dr. Sherry Zhang
Head of School
San Francisco High School of the Arts

Winter (Wonders) is Coming
By Mr. Brian, son of Sen, first of his name, Breaker of Legs, The Un-unburnt, etc.

Discover a world of splendor at HSArts' Winter Wonders 2023. All of our students have been working incredibly hard this semester, and despite the truncated preparation time (we’re short 3 weeks compared to other years), we have an exciting slate of programs and collection of artwork that we’re excited to share with everyone!

Tickets are on sale now at City Box Office!

ACADEMICS

Academic News
Ms. Lona Lou, Academic Director

During our academic meetings, the main topics are always how to help our students improve their academic performance. Identifying the main reason for a student's imperfect academic performance can be complex and may vary from one student to another. However, we found out two very common reasons, one is students sometimes lack motivation in learning, another is they haven’t formed good study habits yet. I want to share some solutions about motivation today.

As teachers, we will try different ways to motivate students’ learning, for example, let them see the relevance or importance of what they are learning by real-world application; incorporate current events and news stories into lessons to illustrate how classroom concepts relate to the world outside; take students on field trips to see the practical applications of what they are learning; assign projects that require students to research and address real issues or create something tangible.
Parents can play a significant role in this issue too. Here are some strategies parents can use to motivate your children's academic learning:
1. Show genuine interest in your child's classes by asking about their school day and coursework.

2. Recognize and celebrate their achievements, no matter how small.

3. Share stories of your educational journey and the benefits of education.

4. Help your child explore potential career paths related to the subject matter, encourage them to think about their personal goals and how the subject matter can help them achieve those goals.

When children can see a direct connection between what they are learning in school and their future aspirations, they are more likely to be motivated and engaged in their studies.

ARTS

Arts News - Music

Composition and ensembles: this year’s new additions to our Music Conservatory program. Ms. Bai, our theory and composition teacher, expands the digital side of music with both the Music Composition and Production classes. Students learn to use computer software to create their own music compositions, producing the tracks in Garageband using MIDI keyboards.

For ensembles, while not entirely new, this year we’re excited at the new combinations of pairings and groups our students can form with each other! This includes new students Luciano and Daniel with a violin and piano duet, violist Cristal partnering with flutist Olivia, and even Diego and Eric with four hands on one piano. Not only that, Mr. Ray is personally leading a beginner brass band with some of our 5th and 6th graders. Can’t wait to see it all come together in our December Music Concert and Winter Gala Benefit! Stay tuned for more information.

ADMISSIONS

Admissions News
Open House: Curriculum Preview and Q&A - October 14th, 2023

Join our dedicated staff and learn more about our well rounded and high-achieving HSArts curriculum with 18 honors and 20 AP course selections, pre-professional training in the arts and our commitment to providing a nurturing and enriching educational experience. It is the perfect opportunity to meet school leadership, faculty and ask questions. Please RSVP via this link if you haven’t yet.

If you’re interested in attending this event, or have any questions regarding the admissions process, please contact our Admissions Department.

YOUNG ARTISTS

Young Artists News

Our students had so much fun performing at the local Cole Valley Fair last month, performing a variety of classical Chinese dance and ballet pieces to the hundreds of boisterous bystanding audience members! Here’s a few pictures from the event.

A big shoutout to Ms. Anne for organizing the event, Ms. Hanna for managing the performance, Mr. Brandon for hosting, and all the parents and staff who volunteered their weekend time to make the event a success! Great job everyone!

STUDENT LIFE

Coming Soon: Spirit Week
Come one, come all! Show your school spirit during Spirit Week, October 16-20. Our Student Councils have exciting plans, including themed dress up days, BBQ in the park, games and activities… all culminating in our annual exhibition basketball game against Stratford!

So get your twin outfits, school colors, and your best cheering ready next next week!

New Club Alert! Coding Club with Mr. Ray
Inspired by our resident STEM expert, Mr. Ray, and his amazing computational and computer skills, some middle school boys were moved to action to form a Coding Club! Fridays after school, Dylahn and friends will work out their fingers with Mr. Ray, room TBD, tentatively 208. All are welcome to join!

Yearbook Sale!
Pre-order yours today for the early bird special 😀

UPCOMING EVENTS

Coming soon!
Oct 9	Columbus Day (no school)
Oct 16-20	Spirit Week
Oct 9	Columbus Day (no school)
Oct 25-27	Parent-Teacher Conferences

Communication is essential and we strive to connect with our students, parents, and families throughout the school year. We will continue reaching out to you with this weekly newsletter. We also encourage you to visit our website and follow our social pages including Facebook and Instagram for announcements, information, and celebrations

10-6-2023

2023-09-232023-12-10Community Newsletter

HSArts Community Newsletter – Sep 22

San Francisco High School of the Arts Community Newsletter | Sep 22, 2023

FROM THE ADMINISTRATION

Important Dates
Sep 24 Cole Valley Fair
Sep 29 Mid-Autumn Festival Celebrations

Remarks from our Head of School

Part of HSArts' mission is to nurture in students the sense of civic duties so that they may positively contribute to the world. Our students have done volunteer work to help the communities. Volunteers, in turn, benefit in both mind and body: connecting with others, advancing their careers, and having fun and fulfillment in their lives. That's why 23% of the Americans volunteer. Let's roll up our sleeves and get down to business. Go Phoenix!

Dr. Sherry Zhang
Head of School
San Francisco High School of the Arts

🌕 Uncover the Enchanting History of the Mid-Autumn Festival! 🌕
By Mr. Brian, Autumn Appreciator, Mid-Autumn Enthusiast

The Mid-Autumn Festival, a cherished East Asian tradition, offers a glimpse into a rich history and cultural heritage. As we prepare for our school event, here are some captivating facts to pique your interest:

1. Ancient Roots: This festival dates back over 3,000 years to China's Zhou Dynasty when it began as a harvest celebration, paying tribute to the moon goddess Chang'e.

2. Mooncake Mysteries: Mooncakes, a hallmark of the festival, played a clandestine role during the Yuan Dynasty. They were used to hide messages, contributing to a successful rebellion against Mongol rule.

3. Lantern Brilliance: The festival dazzles with an array of colorful lanterns, symbolizing hope and guidance. Lighting them has become a cherished tradition.

4. Myths and Legends: The festival is enriched with mythical tales, including the story of Chang'e and her lunar abode, and the endearing Jade Rabbit residing on the moon.

As we prepare to celebrate our school's Mid-Autumn Festival event, join us in exploring the history, traditions, and stories that make this festival a source of wonder and cultural connection. Don't miss out on the magic of the Mid-Autumn Festival! 🌟

ACADEMICS

Academic News
Ms. Ginnie Wu, Speech and Debate Teacher

Our middle school speech classes have been studying the transcript of a Ted-Ed video, "How To Practice Effectively…For Just About Anything." Students were told that they would be presenting excerpts of the script in class. Last week, students planned their presentation meticulously (7th/8th graders...one of your vocab words for Tuesday's quiz!), making notes on their transcript for eye contact, gestures, and movement across the stage. This week, half of our 7th/8th graders presented their speech on Friday, while the other half will present on Tuesday. 5th and 6th graders will be doing a mock presentation next Thursday.

When we discussed body language earlier in the school year, we watched a video with a surprising fact about body language and confidence: while being confident results in confident body language, the opposite is also true -- people who make the effort to display powerful body language will also feel more powerful as a result. This is a good reminder to our students to always carry themselves confidently, sit up straight, and raise their hands eagerly in class. 🙂

Field Trip - de Young Museum
Ms. Campbell’s AP English class visited the nearby de Young Museum to reinforce the interpreting of theme, tone, and mood in different mediums and using art for inspiration for upcoming Bay Area Creative Young Artists competition. Here are some pictures from their trip:

ARTS

Arts News
Visual arts starts with drawing and sketching, no matter the grade or age. This semester, all of our full-time art classes begin the year with a focus on the fundamentals of shapes, lines, perspective, and shading. While the subject may differ depending on the level, the concepts are similar, and reinforced through repetition and practice.

Our full-time students will also learn charcoal, painting, Chinese painting, handcraft, and media arts, amongst other artforms. However, a strong art foundation is needed to understand and excel. Keep up the hard work!

Even our after school art classes start with basic drawings, although their subjects lean more towards the cuter side. Here’s Ms. Vera and Mr. Mario working with the Thursday after school art class:

ADMISSIONS

Remarks from our Admissions Director
Open House: Curriculum Preview and Q&A - October 14th, 2023

Our dedicated staff will be available to answer any questions you may have about our curriculum, extracurricular activities, and our commitment to providing a nurturing and enriching educational experience. It's the perfect opportunity to get a firsthand look at our school environment for full time grades 6-12 students.

If you’re interested in attending this event, or have any questions regarding the admissions process, please contact our Admissions Department.

YOUNG ARTISTS

Young Artists News
This year, we’re excited to open a new Pre-Teen Dance Class! Led by Ms. Ginnie (and the occasional appearance by Mr. Brian), this class now sports 15 students, many of whom are just starting or have very little previous experience. Nevertheless, we’re confident they’ll be ready with their fan dance for our Winter Wonders recital, taking place at Herbst Theatre on December 1st. For now, here’s a picture of Ms. Ginnie leading the dancers in a "bearing" exercise, practicing how to flow their arm and hand movements:

STUDENT LIFE

Mid-Autumn Festival Celebration 2023
The Mid-Autumn Festival is next week!

For more info and RSVP on ParentSquare: visit here. For non-ParentSquare users, please RSVP here.

Badminton Club
Badminton is a fast paced and exciting sport, and it’s accessible to all. Every Thursday after school, enjoy a casual, easygoing rally or challenge our PE Teacher and badminton expert, Mr. David, to an intense olympic-esque battle. Everyone is welcome to join, as you can see in this picture:

Basketball Club
Come and join the basketball club, every Wednesday after school.

Witness phenoms like Austin and William “ball it up” with crossovers and moves like this:

*Editor’s note: Shoelaces are recommended to be tied at all times to prevent injury.

Next month, our school will be challenging our neighbors, Stratford School, in our annual basketball exhibition match. Let’s get that W! Go Phoenix!

UPCOMING EVENTS

Coming soon!
Sep 24	Cole Valley Fair
Sep 29	Mid-Autumn Festival Celebration
Oct 9	Columbus Day (no school)

9-22-2023

2023-09-082023-12-10Community Newsletter

HSArts Community Newsletter – Sep 8

San Francisco High School of the Arts Community Newsletter | Sep 8 , 2023

FROM THE ADMINISTRATION

Important Dates
Sep 22 Deadline for Creative Culture Contest
Sep 29 Mid-Autumn Festival Celebrations

Remarks from our Head of School

Three weeks into our new school year! Students are motivated to learn while making social connections with each other. It was great seeing many parents on last week’s back to school night. We will have a great year together! Go Phoenix!

Dr. Sherry Zhang
Head of School
San Francisco High School of the Arts

Classes have begun, now what?
By Mr. Brian, a.k.a. "Niehstradamus", Amateur Seer

3 weeks into the school year, and most people should be settled into their classes and schedules. Expectations are set, and routines are being formed. Homework, essays, quizzes abound. Now what?

Here’s where the magic happens: through mundane disciplined repetition. How exciting!

Each day might seem like a monotonous march towards an uncertain destination. It feels like that sometimes even for me. But as you continue to metaphorically wax on and wax off, trust in your teachers to guide you along your journey, instructing or hollering if the occasion calls for it, but ultimately propelling you forward towards our shared goal.

All of that to say, you will be great before you know it! I know it. I believe it. I can see it, from students both old and new. Already many students have been asking me for space to practice after school. That’s wonderful to hear, and absolutely something I wholeheartedly support. I was a gym rat myself, often practicing while my classmates napped. So if you’re itching to get some more training in, I’ll do whatever I can.

Success is very real and very achievable, so long as you continue putting in hard work and leaning onto your artistic passion. Strive forward. Go phoenix!

ACADEMICS

Remarks from our Academic Director

Dear parents,

During Back to School Night, Dr. Sherry talked about how parents can help students at home. Here I would like to share some details :
1. Stay Informed:
Stay connected with your child's subject teachers. If you need to know more information about the course contents or structure, or want to talk with the teacher about your child, don’t hesitate to request a personal meeting. You can either contact the teacher directly or through the counselor or office. And don’t forget to attend our parent-teacher conferences in October after the first quarter report card comes out.
2. Support Homework Completion:
Our homework policy is on average 30 minutes per subject per day. Supporting homework completion at home is essential for reinforcing learning and helping students develop effective study habits. Here are some strategies for parents:

*Set a specific time and place for homework each day to create consistency.
*Be available to answer questions and offer clarification, but avoid doing the homework for your child.
*Request or encourage your child to turn off unnecessary electronic devices.
*If your child consistently struggles with certain subjects or assignments, consider seeking help from a tutor or teacher.

3. How to treat your child’s grades?

As parents, it's natural to want an A from your child, and often translate the A into a strong academics. While good grades are certainly important, it's crucial to remember the journey of learning is just as valuable as the destination. When we focus solely on grades, we may discourage students from making mistakes, critical thinking, and a genuine love for acquiring knowledge. In our own life, we all know that learning from making mistakes is a fundamental aspect of personal and intellectual development.

So if you see a B or even a C on their tests, don't be angry or worry, just sit down with him/her, and find out what mistakes were made, reflect on these mistakes, learn valuable lessons and ensure these mistakes won’t be repeated next time. Analyzing mistakes encourages critical thinking and problem-solving skills. It helps individuals identify the root causes of errors and find effective solutions. Actually mistakes often lead to a deeper understanding of a subject or situation. And, individual test results won't be reflected on their report card or transcript. :))

Ms. Lona Lou
Academics Director

ARTS

“Slow and steady wins the race.”
- Ancient Proverb
- Michael “Scott” Lai

Dance is the game of inches. Or was it football.. Either way, dance training is like planting seeds; It takes time for them to germinate and grow. But with a lot of love and care, and a healthy dose of hydration (e.g. student sweat and tears), they’re sure to bear fruit: ballet bananas, tumbling tomatoes, and jumping jalapeños. So be patient. Your hard work will pay off, sooner or later!

Continuing with the food theme, our middle school dance classes are learning a dance piece: Mongolian Chopsticks. Choreographed by Ms. Hanna, the boys and girls weave and bob around each other while rhythmically slapping their chopsticks with snap, crackle and pops. A single chopstick is easy to break; Chopsticks bundled are together strong. This dance will showcase the power of teamwork and cooperation in the grand and generous Mongolian style.

This dance, along with many other programs, will be showcased at the upcoming Mid-Autumn Festival on September 29. It’ll be a fun, exciting evening, and surely one to remember! Check it out below in the Student Life section.

*Photos Courtesy of Mr. Mike, Shot on an iPhone 12 pro

ADMISSIONS

Remarks from our Admissions Director

September is heating up! The weather lately has been beautiful and hot at the same time! I hope you are staying healthy and well and that your child’s semester is off to a great start!

I welcome you to pick a time that best fits your schedule and see our beautiful campus and classes in action! We recommend families to have private campus tours prior to the Curriculum Preview event on Oct 14. Our calendar for September and October is definitely filling up, more Fall 2023 events and updates will be rolling out soon.

The Fall 2024 application is now open. The priority deadline is on December 15th, so students interested in applying to impacted art disciplines are recommended to apply within this period. If you have any questions regarding the application process or events, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us at admissions@hsarts.org.

Dr. Shalina Fung
Director of Admissions

YOUNG ARTISTS

Choreography and rehearsals for the Young Artists Dance Program is underway! A friendly reminder to families that the deadline has passed for submitting Winter Recital Agreements – if you have not yet signed the agreement and would like your child to participate in the performance, please email us. In addition, please note that students should not miss any more than two class rehearsals – missing more may affect the student’s ability to participate in the show. If you have any questions, please contact your child’s teacher or enrollment@highschoolofthearts.org.

Young Artist Saturday Level 3s just performed in Bert Hsu Academy last Saturday. They received a lot of applause and cheering. Great job!

STUDENT LIFE

Mid-Autumn Festival Celebration 2023

Mid Autumn is almost here! And everyone is invited!

The Mid-Autumn Festival is an annual tradition at HSArts. A holiday centered around family, togetherness, and appreciation, the HSArts Community welcomes everyone for an evening of stories and riddles, music and performances, and of course mooncakes.

With the moon at its brightest, so are our hearts shining together as one, ushering in the new school year, new season, and new experiences on our journey to traditional arts and universal values. Come and celebrate with us at HSArts on Friday, September 29!

For more info and RSVP, visit here.

CULTURE

Creative Culture Contest!
Our school is built on the values of Respect, Responsibility, Honesty, Tolerance, Empathy, Kindness. We want to know what they mean to you.

Pick one to write about - It can be in the form of an essay, a poem, a song, or even interpretive dance! All standard grammar and writing rules apply, and make sure it’s school appropriate.

Submit your document (or video/photo) by Friday, September 22 *new deadline*. The best ones will be selected to feature in an upcoming newsletter, and may be eligible for a special prize!

For more information or details, please send Mr. Brian an email!

UPCOMING EVENTS

Coming soon!
Sep 22	Deadline for Creative Culture Contest (see above)
Sep 24	Cole Valley Fair
Sep 29	Mid-Autumn Festival Celebration
Oct 9	Columbus Day (no school)

9-8-2023

2023-09-042023-09-07Work

Happy Labor Day!

Happy Labor Day! Let’s take a moment to appreciate our many staff members working hard from behind the scenes to make the school a better place.

2023-08-302023-09-14Events

Back to School night

What a great Back to School night ! We’re happy to see so many families in attendance! Thank you to everyone that came and a special thanks to the Contreras family and our Parents Group for arranging such a delicious dinner!

2023-08-262023-12-10Community Newsletter

HSArts Community Newsletter – Aug 26 – Welcome Back edition

San Francisco High School of the Arts Community Newsletter | Aug 26 , 2023

FROM THE ADMINISTRATION

Important Dates
Aug 24 Club Fair
Aug 30 Back to School night
Sep 4 Labor Day (no school)
Sep 29 Mid-Autumn Festival Celebrations

Welcome Back! What to look Forward to this year:

Aka Highlights from our Calendar

Sep 29 Mid-Autumn Festival Celebration
Oct 16-20 School Spirit Week
Nov 17 Teacher/Staff Appreciation Day
Dec 1 Winter Wonders 2023 recital
Dec 8 Winter Gala Benefit

There will be many other events throughout the semester, so please stay tuned for more news!

*Editor's note: There's a distinct lack of pictures this week. You can expect more each newsletter. In the meantime, check out our socials:
FB @hsartssf
IG @hsartssf
IG @hsarts_dance
IG @hsarts_vis

Remarks from our Head of School
Hello, students!

I want to welcome everyone back to school for the new school year! We hope you had a fantastic break and are feeling refreshed and ready to embark on a journey of learning and growth.

This year, we have exciting opportunities and challenges awaiting you. Whether you're returning students or new faces, we are thrilled to have you as part of our HSArts school community. Our dedicated teachers and staff are here to support and guide you every step of the way.

I am pleased to announce that there are several teachers joining our faculty team this year, which include our new English teacher Ms. Erica Campbell, both Ms. Aimee Greenberg (returning) and Mr. Brandon Yu as part of our theatre program, as well as our new P.E. teacher Mr. David Qiao. In particular, we’re very excited to have Ms. Rain Zhu back with us after her brief health-related respite. Let’s give them a warm welcome in our community

As you begin this new academic year, remember that education is a key that can unlock countless doors of opportunity. Embrace the challenges with determination, curiosity, and an open mind. Don't hesitate to seek help when needed, as asking questions and seeking understanding are essential parts of the learning process.

Together, we can make this school year a memorable and enriching experience. So, put your best foot forward, work hard, and make the most out of every learning opportunity that comes your way.

Wishing you all a successful and fulfilling school year! Let's make it one to remember!

- Dr. Sherry Zhang
Head of School
San Francisco High School of the Arts

ACADEMICS

New Staff
This year, Ms. Erica Campbell, Ms. Jennifer Zhang, and Ms. Annabel Xia join our academic staff! We're also excited to welcome back Ms. Rain Zhu from her medical leave. Please give them a warm HSArts welcome!

AP Courses
HSArts offers 36 honors and AP courses, and this year is no different! Our 9th and 10th graders will be in Ms. Ginnie Wu's AP Psychology course, one much requested by many students. Our juniors and seniors have even more APs to tackle, from language staples like AP English and AP Chinese to mathematics with AP Calculus and AP Statistics. Mr. Ray Chen is expectedly passionate about his AP Computer Science course, another popular one requested by our students.

Accelerated Math Pathway
The Accelerated Math Pathway (AMP) is a program tailored to many of our students who excel in mathematics and want to strive forward. While most HSArts students will take math at a level above same grade students at most public schools, those in our AMP may get a significant jump in their studies, which will position them to be able to take math APs and more in their upperclassman years. For more information, check out our AMP page.

Speech and Debate
As part of our ongoing efforts to help our students develop speaking and presentational skills, our middle schoolers will all take Ms. Ginnie Wu's Speech and Debate class this year. This class is tailored to help our students learn speaking and presentational technique, building confidence and developing skills that translate to beyond the classroom. Let's see how they do in our debate and speech contests!

Integrated Science
Mr. Ray Chen is pioneering an integrated science curriculum, combining lab sciences like physics and biology with computer science. This year, students in grade 9 and 10 are taking integrated science with chemistry focus. Stay tuned for news about the fun labs and projects they'll be working on!

ARTS

New Staff and Classes - Department Overviews
This year, we're very excited to have several incredibly talented and passionate teachers join the arts departments. In theatre, Ms. Aimee Greenberg and Mr. Brandon will be at the helm of the acting classes and theatre productions. Joining them is Mr. Daxi Song, our new vocal teacher, who will also lead our new Choir class for theatre and music students. Ms. Yao Wang returns for their dance training and production choreography.

Ms. Sherry Hu (not to be confused with Dr. Sherry Zhang) returns to teach dance bearing and from for our middle and high school dancers. Each of our dance classes (middle and high school boys and girls) will be taking ballet with Artistic Director Mr. Dongsheng Wei and the ballet team, refocusing training on footwork and foundation and diversifying their dance knowledge and training. Ms. Hanna Zhang already has over 20 choreographies planned for our Dance Conservatory, between full-time, after school, and various solos for competitions.

Our visual arts department is growing so much, and we've taken the next step to split the students into three (3) classes: beginner middle school, intermediate middle school, and high school. Ms. Millie Hankinson and Ms. Lucy Cui return to continue their artistic instruction, including a new Workshop class where the intermediate middle school and high school classes come together in a workshop style class, working together with both teachers drawing subjects and models. Mr. Mario Su joins our team this year, leading our beginner middle school class of 5th and 6th graders. Their schedule is designed in a way to allow for a bit of exploring across some of the performing arts programs.

Performances and Events
The Winter Wonders recital is set for December 1st at Herbst Theatre. However, before then, we are planning several performance opportunities, both in school and in the community. The Mid-Autumn Festival Celebration at school (9/29) is an annual celebration centered around the Mid-Autumn Festival (or Moon Festival), where special programs as well as many food riddle, and games will be sure to entertain everyone of all ages. We're also hoping to return to the Academy of Sciences, Stonestown Galleria, and other local fairs and events to showcase programs old and new. Finally, besides Winter Wonders, we will also our winter theatre production and music concerts at school. More details to come, stay tuned!

All in all, we are very excited for this upcoming year! Can't wait to share all that our students are working on.

ADMISSIONS

As the new school year begins, so does the new admissions season! For any prospective families, we invite them to join us at our open houses, private tours, and shadowing days for their first hand experience of our HSArts campus community. Invite your friends or siblings to sign up for their journey to discover their artistry today!

YOUNG ARTISTS

Our Winter Wonders recital is on December 1st, giving our classes about 2-3 weeks less time to prepare compared to last year! Ms. Hanna, Ms. Ginnie, and the rest of our Young Artists team are eager to get a jump start for our students, and many have already started learning movements and rehearsing their dances. But we're confident our students are up to the task! Let's see what they can do!

If you haven't gotten a chance yet, we highly recommend you download and use Telegram. Our teachers will be sending updates, videos, and other news through the app. Thanks!

STUDENT LIFE

Club Fair - digital version

Want to join a club? We currently have:
- Basketball club on Thursdays
- Yearbook club on Thursdays
- Games club on Fridays
- Study hall on everydays
- Cooking club once every 2-3 weeks
- Beekeeping club periodically
…with more to come!

Interested in joining the student council? Ask your advisor for more information.

If you want to form a new club, submit a “new club application” or find Mr. Brian for a printed copy.

Ready to sign up? Let Ms. Anne or Mr. Brian know.

CULTURE

Value Contest!
Our school is built on the values of Respect, Responsibility, Honesty, Tolerance, Empathy, Kindness. We want to know what they mean to you.

Pick one to write about - It can be in the form of an essay, a poem, a song, or even interpretive dance! All standard grammar and writing rules apply, and make sure it’s school appropriate.

Submit your document (or video/photo) by Friday, September 15. The best ones will be selected to feature in an upcoming newsletter, and may be eligible for a special prize!

For more information or details, please find Mr. Brian!

UPCOMING EVENTS

Coming soon!
Aug 24	Club Fair
Aug 30	Back to School night
Sep 4	Labor Day (no school)
Sep 29	Mid-Autumn Festival Celebration

8-26-2023

2023-07-042023-07-06News

Happy Independence Day!

As we celebrate the birth of our nation, we, at HSArts, are reminded of the importance of cultivating not only artistic excellence but also good moral character in our students.

As a private arts school, we believe that freedom extends beyond the physical boundaries of our nation. It encompasses the freedom to express oneself creatively, to explore diverse perspectives, and to develop empathy and kindness for others.

We are proud to be a community that values integrity, kindness, and respect. Through our arts education, we empower our students to become not only talented artists but also individuals with strong moral foundations. Together, we strive to foster an environment that encourages honesty, respect, and tolerance.

On this day, let us take a moment to appreciate the rich tapestry of cultures and voices that make our nation so unique. As we celebrate the freedoms we enjoy, let us also remember our responsibility to use those freedoms wisely, to uplift one another, and to contribute positively to our society.

Wishing you all a joyful and meaningful Independence Day filled with love, unity, and artistic inspiration!

2023-06-132023-06-26Arts News, Arts, Events

Spring Spectacular Art Exhibition

Check out these beautiful works by our students during the Spring Spectacular Art Exhibition.

2023-06-102024-03-13Events, Arts, Arts News, Student Life News

Spring Spectacular year-end recital

What a sensational night! Our Spring Spectacular year-end recital was an absolute triumph, with a nearly sold-out show! Our incredibly talented high school and middle school students delivered outstanding performances that left the audience captivated and amazed. We couldn’t be more proud of their hard work and dedication. Congrats to our amazing students for an incredible performance! ??

The Spring Spectacular at Herbst Theater on June 2, 2023. (Qing Li/HSArts)

By David Parker, Columnist