A ten-year old drama program that is at the heart of the rural school community it serves won the 19th annual Jack London Excellence in Education award from Sonoma State University on May 10.
First grade teacher Noelle Huberty and her husband Paul teach theater skills - singing, acting, and dancing - to fifth through eighth graders at Forestville School in west Sonoma County.
The program provides art to the community and promotes parent and community involvement with the school. The production each year is a major Broadway musical and this year's was "Beauty and the Beast."
The Forestville School Drama project was judged to be exceptional on all eight criteria by all judges and reviewers, said School of Education Dean Mary Gendernalik-Cooper. One judge noted "You have to see it to believe it. The teamwork among teachers, staff, administration, parent volunteers, students, alumni, and other committed members of the community is amazing."
Another judge reported: "Even the superintendent participates by playing in the band."
The program's selection procedure is highly inclusive and democratic, with every child who tries out being assured a part. It also makes sure that no child will fall into the "diva" trap, because the lead roles are double or triple cast.
"The essence of the Jack London Award is exceptionality, replicability, broadly participatory--the Forestville Drama project is all of that and more," the Dean said.
The awards are given on an annual basis to a K-12 teacher who has made an exemplary contribution to education through development of an innovative educational program in a Sonoma County school.
Other finalists included a math lesson study at Kawana School Bellevue School District; an outdoor education program at Cali Calmcac Charter School, Windsor Unified School District; and problem solving through chess at Meadow/Corona Creek Schools, Waugh School District.
The awards program is co-sponsored by the California Faculty Association, the Sonoma County Educators Council CTA/NEA, the California Reading and Literacy Project, the Sonoma County Office of Education, and the SSU School of Education, and Sonoma State University.
ABOVE, the Forestville School theatre company presented "Beauty and the Beast" this year.
