At Calhoun Academy of the Arts, we are committed to preparing every student for future success. Through high-quality instruction, meaningful learning experiences, and arts integration, we strive to develop confident, creative, and responsible learners who will make positive contributions to their communities and the world around them.
Throughout the school year, Calhoun focused on creating a positive learning environment that encouraged students to grow academically, socially, and emotionally. The school motto, "Create, Achieve, Aspire," remained at the center of our work as we encouraged students to be cooperative, focused, creative, trustworthy, compassionate, ambitious, respectful, responsible, and humble. Through daily interactions, classroom instruction, and schoolwide initiatives, students were provided opportunities to develop strong character and leadership skills that will serve them well beyond elementary school.
Calhoun, a certified Arts in the Basic Curriculum (ABC) school and an ABC Distinguished School, continued to provide students with high-quality arts-integrated learning experiences. This distinction recognizes the school's commitment to excellence in arts education and the integration of the arts throughout the curriculum. Through arts integration, students connected academic content with visual arts, music, theatre, and dance, deepening understanding and engagement while fostering creativity and critical thinking skills.
This school year, Calhoun students participated in multiple opportunities to showcase their talents through the arts. Students performed for families and community members through school productions, musical performances, and other arts-related events. Students in Grades 2–5 had the opportunity to participate in Calhoun's strings program and performed throughout the year. Additionally, all students participated weekly in Theatre, Dance, Visual Arts, Music, and Physical Education, ensuring a well-rounded educational experience that fostered creativity and self-expression.
Students at Calhoun also experienced the importance of giving back to the community. Through service-learning projects and community partnerships, students learned the value of compassion, responsibility, and civic engagement. Students participated in fundraising efforts, community outreach projects, and performances that supported and celebrated members of our local community.
Creating opportunities for families to engage in their child's education remains a priority at Calhoun. Throughout the year, the school hosted a variety of family engagement events, including Literacy Night and Math Night. These events provided families with hands-on experiences and practical resources to support learning at home. The Calhoun PTO also sponsored several family-centered events that strengthened school and community connections and provided meaningful opportunities for families to engage with one another.
This year, Calhoun began its implementation of the PLC at Work process. Teachers collaborated in professional learning communities to focus on student learning, analyze data, identify essential standards, develop common formative assessments, and create intervention and enrichment opportunities for students. Through the PLC process, teams worked together to answer four critical questions: What do we want students to learn? How will we know they have learned it? What will we do when they have not learned it? What will we do when they already know it? This collaborative approach strengthened instructional practices and ensured a greater focus on student achievement and continuous improvement.
Calhoun teachers work diligently to improve student achievement and provide individualized support for all learners. During the school year, students participated in iReady diagnostic assessments and ongoing progress monitoring to help teachers identify strengths and areas for growth. Teachers utilized data to provide targeted instruction, interventions, and enrichment opportunities. Students engaged in a variety of authentic learning experiences that allowed them to apply their knowledge and skills through research projects, presentations, performances, and hands-on learning opportunities.
Throughout the year, students also had access to supplemental learning resources designed to strengthen reading and mathematics skills. Student learning was closely monitored, and interventions were provided to ensure students received the support needed to be successful. Additionally, students had opportunities to expand their interests through clubs, enrichment activities, and leadership opportunities.
Calhoun remains committed to providing students with meaningful and connected learning experiences. Through arts integration, students make connections between academic content and the arts, allowing them to deepen their understanding, enhance creativity, and develop critical thinking skills. By connecting learning to real-world experiences and fostering a culture of creativity and excellence, Calhoun Academy of the Arts continues to help students create, achieve, and aspire while preparing them for future success.
