MELLIFLUOUS
Metropolitan School of the Arts Newsletter - June, 2023
Executive Director Note:
Last month, I mentioned that the board of directors made the decision to take a pause on the in-person school option because of the uncertainty of the economic stability heading in to the fall. Parents and families continue to struggle with higher costs impacting their budgets. The board also wants to open the doors of the schools with confidence and not have any financial impacts that would negatively affect the mission of the school.
The first initiative that the board would like to investigate is the stance of Kansas with the School Choice options available to parents and families. School Choice is widely defined as allowing families and students the option to attend public schools, public charter schools, virtual schools or private/parochial schools.
The Kansas House has proposed an amendment to Senate Bill 83 to create the Sunflower Education Equity Act. As stated in the bill, "the sunflower education equity act provides meaningful educational freedom while simultaneously protecting the rights of parents to direct the education of their children". Continued investigation will be needed on this bill that would be effective for the 2024-25 school year. MSAKC would need to apply to the State of Kansas to be a "qualified school" under these provisions.
We will continue to keep watch over this legislative bill that has the potential to help our Kansas students for the 2024-25 school year.
VPA School Highlight - Alexander W. Dreyfoos Jr. School of the Arts
The Alexander W. Dreyfus School of the Arts is a renowned institution dedicated to nurturing and fostering artistic talent. Founded in the early 1990s by philanthropist Alexander W. Dreyfus, the school has become a beacon of excellence in arts education.
Situated in a picturesque campus, the school offers a comprehensive curriculum that encompasses various disciplines, including visual arts, music, dance, theater, and film. The faculty comprises distinguished artists and educators who are passionate about their craft and committed to helping students unleash their creative potential.
One of the school's distinguishing features is its emphasis on interdisciplinary collaboration. Students are encouraged to explore multiple art forms, breaking traditional boundaries and creating innovative works that blend different mediums. This approach fosters a rich and dynamic creative environment, where students learn from and inspire one another.
The Alexander W. Dreyfus School of the Arts also prides itself on providing ample opportunities for practical experience and exposure. Students regularly participate in exhibitions, performances, and competitions, both within the school and in the wider community. Additionally, the school has established partnerships with renowned arts organizations, offering students the chance to collaborate with professionals and showcase their talents on larger platforms.
As a result of its rigorous training and commitment to artistic excellence, graduates from the Alexander W. Dreyfus School of the Arts have gone on to achieve remarkable success in their respective fields. Many have received scholarships to prestigious art institutions, gained recognition in national and international competitions, and pursued successful careers as professional artists.
Alexander W. Dreyfus School of the Arts stands as a beacon of artistic education, nurturing talent, fostering collaboration, and preparing students for successful careers in the arts.
Academic Achievement
In a recently prepared report, you can view the academic achievement of several VPA schools across the US and how they compare to some KC metro schools. These results support what research has told us - that when academic content is explicitly linked to the arts, academics are high, graduation rates are increase, and school culture is enhanced.
Virtual Option Still Available
Do you feel that traditional school is getting in the way of dance/theater/music/performing?
MSAKC offers an online curriculum through Imagine Edgenuity - credits earned through Imagine Edgenuity are accredited through Cognia and the North Central Association on Accreditation and School Improvement. Additionally, the NCAA Clearinghouse also approves the curriculum for athletes seeking college admission.
We have a wide range of core content (math, English, science, and social studies) as well as electives (world language, speech, etc) to fulfill the requirements to meet the MSAKC graduation requirements. We can make accommodations to meet any student's level of learning - offering regular courses, honor courses, and AP courses. Here is the course catalog available for Kansas
What is the cost for this program? Parents will pay a $500/year fee for access to the online curriculum from Imagine Edgenuity. You will also pay $50/monthly for student maintenance fee - meaning the time needed to grade work ongoing throughout the month and access to our student information system (Rosario). Parents may opt for a $100/monthly fee for tutoring or academic assistance.
Check out our program at our website
Featured Business Partners
Strawbridge Photography - student/staff portraits
FACTS Management - student tuition processor
Rosario SIS - student information system
CANVAS - learning management system
Google Suite - google products
Metropolitan School of the Arts
Email: msakc@msakc.art
Website: www.msakc.art
Location: 9948 Metcalf Avenue, Overland Park, KS, USA
Phone: 913-440-0066
Facebook: Facebook.com/msakansascity
Twitter: @MetroArtsKC