This July, the WPS dance team attended a four day camp at Stetson University put on by the Universal Dance Association. They learned three different routines, worked on new skills and participated in teambuilding activities. The dancers competed and won a bid to the National Dance Team Competition, had three All-Americans, received all blue ribbons for the routines they learned and had four dancers in drill down finals. Most notably, for the second year in a row, the Lakerettes received the 110% Award, being recognized by the UDA staff as the team with the best-combined technique, effort, and attitude. It was an excellent week with a lot to celebrate and be proud of!

9 days remaining until the completion of the Cypress Center for the Arts!

FAB Notes
In just a few short weeks everyone will return to campus to begin the 2018 – 2019 school year. For WPS families this is bound to be another exciting year. The Cypress Center for the performing arts will open. As everyone returns to campus be sure to check out this amazing new space.

The members of the Fine Arts Boosters encourage you to come see all there is to offer during this exciting year. We will be set up in the right vestibule of the Cypress Center on August 14th and 15th 1 pm – 3 pm, August 21st 6:30 – 8 pm, and again during the lower, middle, high school open house events.
The members of FAB work hard to ensure that the students have unique opportunities to transform their passion into purpose. In the past FAB has sponsored events such as acting workshops, dance intensives, master classes with elite artists, local musical performances, and so much more. This year our band members will be receiving brand new uniforms from a generous donor in support of FAB.

The ability to provide such amazing opportunities to the students would not be possible without the generous donations from WPS families and the community. We ask WPS families and the community as we enter this year to consider donating as we continue to transform our student’s passion into purpose. There are many ways to donate please visit the WPS Fine Arts website at www.wpsarts.teampages.com to view our FAB Patron of the Arts form and explore our Platinum, Gold, Silver and Bronze packages. Another way to donate is through the gift of time. We are looking for volunteers who would be interested in donating their time at multiple events throughout the year, fundraising initiatives, assisting our fine teachers in the classroom, and many other opportunities. If interested in volunteering or joining the Fine Arts Boosters please email wpsfineartsbooster@gmail.com or stop by and visit us as everyone returns to campus to begin the school year. Your donations to FAB are greatly appreciated.

Please click here to volunteer your time and to donate: https://form.jotform.com/81987804238166

Announcing Auditions for our Inaugural All-School Musical Production, PETER PAN in our brand new Cypress Center for the Arts! Auditions will be
held on August 20th and 21st. Find all the Peter Pan Audition and Production Information, on our Peter Pan Padlet! https://padlet.com/emily_tousek/WPSPeterPan
Join us and be apart of this historical musical event!

“Dreams do come true, if only we wish hard enough.”― J.M. Barrie, Peter Pan

We are excited and pleased to announce that Mr. Jason Wheelhouse has been selected to lead our High School Theatre Arts and IB Theatre program.

Jason completed a BA in Theatre Studies and Contemporary Performance back in 2009, which gave him a breadth of knowledge about theatre and performance. After completing a university placement at a children’s youth center, he was inspired to teach and make a positive contribution to education, as well as to support our young people in being open-minded and well-rounded world citizens of today and the future. Jason completed his teacher training in a flagship ‘outstanding’ school in the North of England and remained there for five years before emigrating to Thailand to work at one of Bangkok’s leading international school’s – another Nord Anglia Education School. During the three years, he was in Thailand, he developed the drama/theatre department into a vibrant and energetic core area of the school with the students producing excellent results year on year both at elective years and the IB Theatre Program, as well as directing a variety of high-quality theatrical productions. In addition, he was responsible for the implementation, leadership and management of the House system throughout the school. Managing a team of tutors and organizing competitions between Houses, events and projects throughout the year that developed the essential skills and attributes of creativity, determination, resolve and collaboration. All of which fed into curriculum areas and encouraged student achievement both in and outside the classroom.

Jason reiterated that it never ceases to amaze him the quality and creativity that comes from our students every day and it excites him to see our young people flourish into the next generation of future leaders and creators.