Our students have worked hard all semester and learned a great deal. Theatre's Preview Night and the dance department's Winter Offerings showcased the teaching and learning process; the Jazz and Orchestra Concert, VA's exhibit America, and Company feature the final artistic product. All of these culminating arts events, whether focused on process or product, demonstrate the tremendous range of skills and depth of talents of our students.
Our final exams serve as the capstone experiences for students to demonstrate what they have learned during the first semester in their academic classes. Although not the spectacle of our arts productions, they are no less important.
One of the hallmark features of LACHSA is the recognition that skill is the most valuable currency prized by our students. This is reflected in the numbers on our Dean's List, for example, or those recognized by NFAA's Young Arts--more than any high school in the nation. Adolescent culture is often punctuated by the allure of glamour, materialism, and sheer size. These are often the most valuable commodities in your typical high school where currency is accrued by the beautiful, the wealthy, and the strong. At LACHSA, our culture could not be more different. Our students aspire to develop their artistic talents and refine their academic skill; those most practiced and studied artists-scholars claim top shelf.
While this focus on skill can support a culture of continuous improvement it can also have negative consequences. Students may find satisfaction elusive and end up caught in a cycle of endless revision, with the timely completion of work difficult. These perfectionist tendencies can lead to stress for a variety of reasons.
As our students transition from our arts finals to our academic finals, I want to encourage a balanced approach to study and preparation. Take advantage of the early release days and CSF tutoring. Eat well and arrive to finals well rested.
