Latest news with #OrangeCountySchooloftheArts
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Yahoo
Think Together Expands Arts Enrichment Accelerator with Orange County School of the Arts to Paramount Unified School District
Think Together and Orange County School of the Arts reach more students than ever with high-quality arts programs in Los Angeles County and Orange County. SANTA ANA, Calif., June 5, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Think Together, California's leading nonprofit provider of afterschool, expanded learning and school improvement programs, has expanded its Arts Enrichment Accelerator programs in Paramount Unified School District (PUSD) in partnership with Orange County School of the Arts (OCSA) to further widen student access to visual and performing arts curriculum and exploration. Through the expanded partnership, TK-8 students across Paramount Unified School District now have access to enriching arts experiences taught by professional OCSA teaching artists during its afterschool programs, spring break and summer non-instructional day programs. Think Together students are getting hands-on learning opportunities in ballet folklorico and mariachi music. "This new development of our Arts Accelerator allows us to expand our reach with Orange County School of the Arts and further enrich our students' learning with world-class arts education," said Jaclyn Aviles, Innovations Lab Senior Strategist for Think Together. "These experiences empower students to discover their passions and build confidence that carries far beyond the academic space." During Think Together's afterschool and expanded learning programs with PUSD, students can enroll in interactive class sessions that immerse them in cultural dance styles like ballet folklorico and stylistic music lessons such as mariachi. Students don't just master how to dance or play music; they learn the origin of the dances and the meaning behind the music. In addition to visual and performing arts at PUSD, Paularino Elementary School students in Newport-Mesa Unified School District also took part in a pilot OCSA culinary arts program implemented during the afterschool time this spring. Students learned the value of nutrition, recipes, and how to combine ingredients. Launched in 2023 in collaboration with Orange County School of the Arts, the Arts Enrichment Accelerator has served over 3,000 students across Southern California in Orange Unified School District, Chino Valley Unified School District, Newport-Mesa Unified School District, and Paramount Unified School District. This extended partnership aims to bring dynamic arts education to a range of students where they are not only able to express themselves creatively but also be exposed to potential career opportunities. "It's important to have community be a factor in helping address the arts challenges that face not only our Southern California community, but also California in general," said Brian Stevens, Director of Community Engagement of Orange County School of the Arts. "You can effectively and strategically serve many more students with partners like Think Together that have the capacity to scale. Think Together is tremendously ingrained and intentional about bringing community together and OCSA shares the same vision." Towards the end of the arts accelerator classes, students' friends and families are invited to a "step into the classroom" culminating event. The most recent such event was at Howard Tanner Elementary School on Wednesday, June 4, and showcased newfound skills and techniques students learned in the art of ballet folklorico and mariachi. "At Think Together, our vision is that all students in California, particularly those from historically marginalized communities, graduate with all life options available," said Randy Barth, founder and CEO of Think Together. "So, Think Together's partnership with Orange County School of the Arts is doing just that; ensuring students explore the limitless possibilities for their bright futures ahead." Think Together and OCSA will carry on their Arts Enrichment Accelerator initiative through the summer and continue to bring elevated arts curriculum to Think Together's school partner sites in Paramount Unified School District. On the horizon for the upcoming fall, Lynwood Unified School District will also take part in Think Together's Arts Enrichment Accelerator with OCSA. About Think TogetherFor over 25 years Think Together has partnered with schools and communities to pursue educational opportunity and excellence for all kids. As a nonprofit organization, Think Together innovates, implements, and scales academic solutions that change the odds for hundreds of thousands of California students each year. Think Together's program areas include early learning, afterschool programs, staffing, and leadership development for teachers and school administrators. For more information, call (888) 485-THINK or visit About Orange County School of the Arts The nationally recognized Orange County School of the Arts (OCSA) provides unparalleled arts and academic education in a creative, challenging and nurturing environment to a diverse student body with a passion for the arts. Founded in 1987, OCSA currently serves approximately 2,300 gifted students in grades seven through 12 from more than 100 cities throughout California. In addition to a college-preparatory academic program, OCSA offers pre-professional arts training in 17 conservatories within the Schools of Applied Arts, Dance, Fine & Media Arts, Music and Theatre. The nonprofit public charter school relies solely on private donations, totaling $10 million annually, to fund the arts training programs. Currently led by president and CEO Teren Shaffer, OCSA has received recognitions for its programs locally, regionally and nationally. For additional information, visit View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Think Together Sign in to access your portfolio
Los Angeles Times
16-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Los Angeles Times
OC RYSE: Amplifying youth voices
Poetry is a powerful, multifaceted force, and the Orange County Regional Youth Slam Event, an annual high school poetry slam hosted by the Orange County School of the Arts in Santa Ana, undoubtedly delivers that message. Bringing together talented students from across Southern California, it has been established as the largest county-wide youth poetry slam in the state. From schools such as OCSA, University High School, Sage Hill High School, and La Habra High School, 38 students celebrated the slam's 11th year running at the Michael F. Harrah Sympohny Hall on March 8, 2025, where OC RYSE served as a platform for teen poets to engage in creative expression, showcase their skills, participate in a competitive art form, and amplify their voices. OC RYSE is the largest county-wide youth slam in California The Power of Spoken Word Poetry By tasking participants with responding to an existing poem with their own creative piece, OC RYSE goes beyond a poetry slam–it is an unparalleled opportunity for discovering the extensive range of poetry. Sailee Charlu, a sophomore in the Creative Writing conservatory at OCSA, described the event as 'a space for students to express their experiences through the power of spoken word.' The unique format allowed participants to use the Original Poem they chose to empower their voices, shaping something entirely of their own out of the pre-existing works. The attention to creative freedom was a canvas for a blend of shared and individual viewpoints, demonstrating that OC RYSE is about writing poetry as well as creating connections and broadening perspectives. What makes this poetry slam noteworthy is its distinct ability to promote literacy by encouraging students to explore the deeper layers and themes of their writing. As the art form requires articulation of thoughts and feelings, writing poetry demands introspection and emotional intelligence. The vast range of issues that were important to modern youth was clear through the sheer diversity of topics that were covered. From social justice to mental health, family dynamics to identity, each student shared a story that reflected cogitation and thoughtfulness. An Incomparable Community As each poet took the stage, peers showed appreciation for their work through cheers, applause, and snaps, creating an atmosphere that was electric with enthusiasm. Additionally, the interaction between poets and judges further emphasized the building of community through art. Poet and Cal State Long Beach professor Patty Seyburn, who has been a judge at OC RYSE for ten years and plans to continue her involvement, has witnessed firsthand how powerful this platform is for adolescent voices. When asked why poetry and writing are important to teenage communities, Seyburn said, 'At this moment, it's pivotal to be able to express oneself, but also to understand how to express yourself in a way that transforms it into art, that helps you reach out and connect with other people; it is crucially important.' The performance that evening proved that poetry is an invaluable means for youth to process the ever-changing and uncertain world around them and share their concerns with each other. In the case of judges like Seyburn, OC RYSE was a window into the questions and values of teenage communities that would otherwise be difficult to acquire. For student poets, OC RYSE was an invitation to confront difficult issues, whether personal or universal, through an art form that created a profound sense of solidarity between participants and bonded students from various voices, regardless of what their stories entailed. In the end, it became apparent that poetry is a bridge that connects us all. A Vehicle for Growth The experience that OC RYSE offered was not limited to the poets but also extended to the audience and judges, anyone who witnessed the raw emotion and artistry that filled the space. A sophomore in OCSA's Creative Writing Conservatory, Rebecca Yang, said: 'OC RYSE is a way for people to come together as a community to share and be heard by other people around them. It's so fun to be with everyone and understand other poets but also understand yourself in the process.' The event was also a chance for students to experiment and express with their writing in a supportive environment, offering poetry as an instrument for personal growth and creative exploration. Poet and OC RYSE judge Dorothy Barresi said, 'For me, OC RYSE is about experiencing the artistic impulse and celebrating the artistic impulse, particularly as it makes itself felt in our lives in words and language.' What's more, the slam's ability to transform individual voices into a collective force is crucial in a world where youth often feel unheard or misunderstood. OC RYSE cultivates a space where perspectives can be articulated through poetry and teens can claim agency over their narratives, holding the pen to their own dialogues. A Lasting Impact OC RYSE continues to remain a beacon for young poets seeking to leave an indelible mark on society through the impact of their words. It is clear that the event not only celebrates the art of poetry but also fosters a culture of diversity, intellectual engagement, and creativity. As student poets perform, they offer a view of the next generation, shedding light on issues that affect their futures, their environments, and themselves. The legacy of OC RYSE is palpable: it nurtures the creativity and voices of teens, encouraging them to continue contributing to the ongoing conversation about the importance of youth in the arts. By emphasizing individuality and community, vulnerability and artistry, OC RYSE amplifies the powerful messages that these young poets bring to the stage as they etch their names on the cultural landscape of Orange County and beyond. Related
Los Angeles Times
14-03-2025
- General
- Los Angeles Times
Column: Starting from scratch — My decathlon challenges and triumphs
Academic competitions always seemed like exclusive clubs for the academically elite — an untouchable area I never imagined entering. But after stepping into the Decathlon, my perspective shifted. I realized that learning is not about scoring; it is about growth and discovering what you are truly capable of. Now, I want to share my journey of founding a decathlon team at my school — the victories, the struggles, and the lessons that shaped me–so that others who are hesitant might find the courage to take that leap. From scratch – The beginning The State Director's intimidating figure filled my view as he reached out his hand. I bravely did the same, a relieved grin lifting the corners of my lips. As I walked out the door, knowing my club was finally approved, the County Coordinator commended me. At that moment, I knew I had done something that mattered. I had built something from nothing. Yet, the journey would be far from easy. When I first pitched the idea of an Academic Decathlon team to my school's principal at Orange County School of the Arts, I was met with skepticism. 'Are students here even interested?' he asked. The reality was — I wasn't sure myself. I had felt inspired to start the club after reading about its origins. The academic decathlon was founded in 1968 by Dr. Robert Peterson , a California teacher who wanted to encourage students of all backgrounds to learn and grow through competition. The first national championship took place in 1982, with teams required to have students of mixed A, B, and C averages so that everyone had the chance to excel in different areas like speech, math, and more. Still, recruitment turned out to be one of my greatest challenges. Attending an arts-focused school meant that academic competitions were not a priority for most students. Trying to convince my peers to spend hours studying decathlon guides instead of rehearsing for a play or practicing their instruments felt impossible. It took months of relentless promotion, persuading students to give it a chance, and, yes — offering free pizza at meetings. But I also had to inspire belief in my new teammates. I had to prove that this competition was not just about tests and scores but about growth, self-discovery, and pushing beyond our perceived limits. The rewards: Triumphs that mattered more than medals When we arrived at Westminster High School, this year's Orange County Academic Decathlon Competition site, I was in awe of the scene. I had only imagined competition day in my mind, but facing the actual competition was something totally different. Every other team seemed larger, stronger, and more prepared. While our team had only six members, some schools had teams stretching up to thirty students. I saw huddles of students from other schools finalizing their preparation for the competition, some going over their speeches and some shouting their team chants out loud. I was intimidated by the other teams and surprised by the bond they were able to build between each team member. Everyone knew each other well, while we barely got to know each other. I couldn't help but compare the other teams to mine; compared to them, my team seemed like a joke. But that day, I watched my team rise to the challenge. I saw a quiet student confidently deliver a speech that moved the judges. I witnessed my teammates — who once doubted their abilities — excited to debate literature, history, and science with competitors from other schools. We weren't just competing; we were proving to ourselves that we were capable of more than we had ever imagined. Redefining what it means to be 'smart' A brief email from my adviser announcing the competition results caught me off guard. There, I saw my name listed among two other students from my decathlon team. Even after months of preparation, I hadn't expected to win. But three of us had all placed and won awards in the competition. I won six medals total: first in interview and music, second in literature and science, fourth in art, and fifth in social science. At that moment, I saw my hard work pay off, from starting from scratch to triumphing at my first-ever academic decathlon competition. All of my assumptions and previous biases about academic competitions were shattered. I realized it wasn't just about memorizing facts, being the best in your class, or being the most gifted student. Technically, I wasn't the best or the most gifted–and yet, I had won. Tips for future competitors and founders To my future decathlon competitors and founders, here are my tips for finding your own success — no matter where you're starting from. Start early and stay organized! Founding a club can feel overwhelming. Keep a to do list and try to check off one task each week. Don't be discouraged if you run into unknown obstacles. Keep trying. 2. Find fun ways to recruit members. Maybe with pizza. Clubs are more fun with members. Don't be shy about doing outreach by offering food and snacks. Sometimes, new team members just need to feel welcomed. 3. Prepare, prepare, and prepare some more. Take advantage of the academic decathlon website's study guides. They're really detailed and helpful, especially for unfamiliar subjects. 4. Uplift your team members with encouragement. The competition is important, but so is making sure everyone on your team feels confident and prepared. Study in groups together! 5. Show up early on competition day Show up early, pack snacks, and give yourself time to breathe. It can feel intimidating facing other bigger teams, but ultimately, everyone is there to learn. Looking ahead: The true victory I realize that the true victory wasn't in the medals or trophies, it was in the transformation. The Academic Decathlon didn't just test my knowledge; it reshaped my confidence, my resilience, and my belief in what's possible. For those wondering if they should take the leap into an academic competition, my advice is simple: Just do it. Don't wait until you feel 'ready enough.' The truth is, you'll never feel fully prepared. But that's the beauty of the journey — learning, adapting and growing along the way. The Academic Decathlon isn't just about what you know, it's about what you're willing to learn. And that, more than anything, is what makes it life-changing. Related
