Calhoun Academy of the Arts is helping all students prepare for their future. We are developing students who will positively contribute to the community by utilizing effective and meaningful teaching strategies and arts integration.
Students and staff began the school year with the theme, “One Team, One Dream.” The focus of this theme was to encourage students and staff to collaborate and work together to achieve common objectives. Effectively working with others is a life skill needed to accomplish daily tasks and long-term goals. The theme aligns with our school motto, “Create, Achieve, Inspire.” Additionally, Calhoun’s morning message, led by the principal, focused on words of encouragement to promote students’ actions to be cooperative, focused, creative, trustworthy, compassionate, ambitious, respectful, responsible, and humble, all positive character traits.
Calhoun, a certified Arts in the Basic Curriculum (ABC) school, was awarded an (ABC) grant for $12,500. Grant funds were used to support the school’s arts integration curriculum, experiences within the arts, and two artists in residencies, one for drumming and another for storytelling using puppets. Calhoun also continued a partnership with artsNOW, a grant-funded organization that supports teachers’ work to integrate the arts into the school curriculum.
This school year, Calhoun students gave five public performances of Disney’s “Aristocats Kids” for our community. Every Calhoun student had the opportunity to perform on stage during the performance, showcasing talents in theater, dance, music, and leadership. Collectively, over 3,100 people attended the “Aristocats Kids” performances. Calhoun students in Grades 2 - 5 had the opportunity to participate in Calhoun’s strings program. These students gave three public performances during the school year. Additionally, all Calhoun students participated in Theatre and Dance classes each week, as well as Visual Arts, Music, and PE.
Students at Calhoun experienced the importance of giving to the community. Grade 2 students led a campaign to support the needs of animals waiting for adoption. This included collecting food, blankets, and toys for Anderson’s community animal shelter, PAWS. Grade 2 delivered the donations to PAWS, and each student read a book to a pet waiting for adoption. Students also participated in fundraising for the local United Way. The Calhoun Chorus gave many community performances throughout the year. Three special performances included singing for the Veteran’s Day program at AnMed, singing at Lights of Hope during the holiday season, and singing at the Anderson Soiree in the spring.
Creating opportunities for families to engage is very important at Calhoun. Calhoun hosted a Literacy Night for families to participate in culminating activities for Calhoun’s One Book, One School event. All students read the book, 8 Class Pets + 1 Squirrel ÷ 1 Dog = CHAOS. Calhoun also hosted a Math Night at which families learned math games to help students improve math skills. Families were given the directions and materials to play at least three games at home. Students and families were also invited to participate in “Arts Integration Night” at which families participated in activities that integrated skills from the basic curriculum with skills from the arts. Additionally, Calhoun was awarded a Duke Energy Night Science Activity Kit. Families were then invited to a Duke Energy Family Night, at which families participated in hands-on science learning experiences. During the 2024-2025 school year, the Calhoun PTO hosted various family events, including Trunk or Treat, a boy’s Ninja Night, a Sweetheart Dance for girls, and the annual Spring Fling, which was free to all Calhoun families.
Calhoun teachers work hard to improve student academic achievement. Measures of Academic Progress (MAP) were used to assess students three times during the year. MAP assessment data helped teachers provide the specific instructional support students need to grow academically. In addition, Calhoun teachers also progress-monitored students three times during the year using mClass (DIBELS). Students used Amplify/Boost to support reading instruction based on these results. The Dreambox and Reflex programs provided students with extra practice in mathematics. Student learning was closely monitored by teachers. Interventions to support academic growth were provided for students needing this support. Students had numerous opportunities to showcase their learning and growth through a variety of events such as the Grade 3 Wax Museum, Grade 2 research and writing projects, and the Grade 5 Ellis Island experience. After-school clubs provided students with additional opportunities to expand their learning and interests. Throughout the 2024-2025 school year, each student took home new books for their at-home libraries, along with activities to guide their thinking as they read these books. At the end of the 2024-2025 school year, every student self-selected 10 new books to take home and keep for summer reading.
Calhoun provides students with meaningful and connected learning experiences to make students’ learning relevant. At Calhoun, we believe connecting content knowledge and skills with the content and skills in the arts helps students make connections and grow academically.
