The Arts Appreciation class hit the stage on Dec. 15, performing their rendition of “The Little Mermaid,” for students and teachers. This class blends both special education and general education classes who spend a semester working together to make a show come to life, giving all students a creative outlet.

A big part of this class is the emphasis on community building and school unity between two groups that don’t often overlap. Students may join because they’re interested in the special education program, or just to find a sense of community in a big school.

“The Arts Appreciation course is a total collaboration between fine arts and special education and we try to recruit students that are interested in teaching or just have a heart of the population, where they’re looking for a place to belong or something to give them a break in their day. They may be interested in the arts but not have a place to do it,” Fine and Applied Arts Director Patti-Anne Ford said. 

The class has also fostered a positive and educational environment, where students can learn more about how to lend a hand to their classmates.

“It means a lot to me to be in this show because I have a bunch of friends and neighbors who have some sort of disability and learning how to help them, helps me be able to help my neighbors and family members. It’s all around a really fun time to be in this class because no matter what, even if you’re sad, as soon as you come in this class you’re going to leave with a smile on your face,” sophomore Claire Banta said. 

It’s also just a music and theatre class, sharing some similarities to Theatre Workshop.

“I think working towards a show gives all the students a common goal and I think that it’s something all the kids are really excited to do. The kids’ excitement and genuine care for the work they do allows for a better show and happier students. It’s very similar to any performing arts ensemble, where as a director and as a teacher, we look at something and if it’s not what we think it is, we have them fix it and work together as a group to do that,” Choir Director and Arts Appreciation teacher Justin De La Cruz said.

Mimi Dwyer, sophomore shared what she’s learned from this type of ensemble work.

“All the students are really nice and helping them makes me so happy. Speaking in front of a big audience really scares me, but I think this class helped me overcome that a little bit. I joined it because my sister is in special ed and I wanted to help her and help the other kids,” Dwyer said. “Last year, I wasn’t connected to them, I didn’t know any of them other than my sister and this year I wanted to spend time with her and her friends.”