K-12 Visual & Performing Arts
Visual & Performing Arts at Marion P. Thomas Charter School
The Visual & Performing Arts (VPA) program at Marion P. Thomas Charter School (MPTCS) provides a comprehensive, standards-aligned arts education for all students in Pre-K through Grade 12. Grounded in the New Jersey Student Learning Standards for Visual & Performing Arts (NJSLS-VPA), the program is designed to cultivate creativity, cultural awareness, artistic literacy, and student voice while supporting the school’s mission of academic excellence and whole-child development.
The NJSLS-VPA emphasize the arts as essential components of a well-rounded education and are structured around four core artistic processes:
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Creating
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Performing / Presenting / Producing
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Responding
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Connecting
Across all grade levels, MPTCS students engage in these processes through visual art, dance, theater, and music, allowing them to develop technical skill, creative expression, critical thinking, collaboration, and discipline. Instruction intentionally integrates performance-based learning, arts critique, reflection, and connections to history, culture, and real-world experiences.
The VPA program supports interdisciplinary learning by reinforcing literacy, mathematics, social studies, and social-emotional learning while promoting student confidence, leadership, and engagement. Students participate in classroom instruction, performances, exhibitions, showcases, and enrichment opportunities that celebrate artistic growth and cultural identity.
Mission Statement
The mission of the Visual & Performing Arts Department at Marion P. Thomas Charter School is to provide an inclusive, rigorous, and culturally responsive arts education that nurtures creativity, self-expression, and artistic excellence. Through alignment with the New Jersey Student Learning Standards for Visual & Performing Arts, the department empowers students to become confident creators, thoughtful performers, critical responders, and meaningful contributors to their school and community.
Vision Statement
The Visual & Performing Arts Department envisions a school community where every student experiences the arts as essential to learning, identity, and personal growth. We strive to cultivate lifelong appreciation for the arts while preparing students to think creatively, collaborate effectively, and express themselves with confidence and purpose.
Some of our Visual & Performing Arts Partnerships:
ArtsEd NJ
NJPAC
"In the Heights" - HS Theater Performance
Theater Overview
Overview
The theater program aligns with the New Jersey Student Learning Standards for Theater Arts. It focuses on acting, script analysis, stagecraft (technical aspects), and production — giving students broad exposure to the world of drama. The program uses resources such as TheaterFolk for plays, curriculum support, and resources. Students are given opportunities to perform live and hone communication, teamwork, and production-oriented skills.
What Students Do:
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Study acting techniques: character development, voice, movement, improvisation.
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Script work: reading plays, analyzing structure, themes, characters.
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Technical theater: set design, lighting, sound, costumes – giving appreciation and skill for behind-the-scenes.
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Production experience: rehearsals, stage management, live audience shows.
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Theater history and literature: understanding the lineage of theater, cultural contexts, and how drama reflects society.
Why This Matters:
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Theater builds confidence in public speaking and collaboration, creativity in performance and design, and an understanding of storytelling.
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The technical component ties into STEM/STEAM skills (design, technology, production) and supports cross-discipline connections.
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Live performance adds a powerful experiential dimension: students must bring something to life and share it with an audience.
The Theater Instructional Team:
- High School: Ms. Thomas
- Sankofa: Ms. Caldwell
Visual Art Overview
Our Visual Art curriculum is founded on the New Jersey Student Learning Standards for Visual & Performing Arts, emphasizing the development of artistic skills and creativity. From elementary to high school, students explore a wide range of art mediums, techniques, and styles. They learn to express themselves visually, analyze art critically, and understand the cultural and historical contexts of art. Our students create and showcase their own artwork, participating in art exhibitions and community projects to share their creativity with others.
The Visual Art Instructional Team:
- High School: Mr. Benjamin
- PAC Academy: Ms. Toone
- Sankofa Academy: Ms. Blue
- STEAM Academy: Ms. Quinones
Dancers in The Village
Dance Overview
Dance is an integral part of our Visual & Performing Arts program. We follow the New Jersey Student Learning Standards for Dance, encouraging students to express themselves through movement. Our dance curriculum encompasses various styles, from classical to contemporary & hip hop, and students learn choreography, dance history, and performance skills. They have the opportunity to participate in dance recitals and collaborate on projects that emphasize the connection between dance and other art forms.
The Dance Instructional Team
- High School: Ms. Reynolds
- PAC Academy:
- Sankofa Academy: Ms. Caldwell
- STEAM Academy: Ms. Moore
Music Overview
The New Jersey Student Learning Standards for Music guide our music education program. Our students delve into the world of music, from music theory and history to vocal and instrumental performance. They have the opportunity to learn to play various musical instruments and participate in choir and band ensembles.
The Music Instructional Team
- PAC Academy: Dr. Brown
- Sankofa Academy: Ms. Caldwell
At Marion P. Thomas Charter School, we believe that an education in the visual and performing arts is essential for the holistic development of our students. Our program aligns with state standards and fosters creativity, self-expression, and critical thinking skills, preparing our students to become well-rounded individuals who appreciate and contribute to the arts in their communities. Our dedicated arts faculty is committed to nurturing each student's unique talents and ensuring they have opportunities to shine in the world of visual and performing arts.
All three schools will host a minimum of two performances: Winter & Spring. They will also collaborate to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month and Black History Month so students can demonstrate their musical talents and appreciation for diverse musical traditions. Artists will be afforded the opportunity to showcase their artwork throughout the year as well.
Partnerships