Students bring their own lives and experiences to the study of other cultures and histories. An arts-integrated education helps them develop the vision and voice to share their own stories in performances and projects.

“When kids are involved in the arts, it increases their sense of belonging, attendance, and performance abilities—as musicians, actors, and on standardized tests,” explains Roosevelt Principal Tiffany Fisher. “Getting students engaged in the arts right away, when they walk through our door, is life changing.”

Turnaround Arts

Roosevelt participates in the nationwide Turnaround Arts program through the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. We are the program’s “hub” or home school in MPS. As one of the district’s four Turnaround Arts schools, Roosevelt receives innovative, evidence-based programming and resources like:

• Access to licensed music and musical instruments
• Arts partnerships for academic/creative enrichment during and after school
• Full-time dance specialist teacher
• Study, performance, and production opportunities at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C.
• Visual Thinking Strategies that present a weekly work of art and questions that challenge students to look closely, think critically, and confidently share responses with teachers and classmates.

Artist Residencies

Professional artists spend two to three days weekly in studios and classes, teaching and coaching students and helping them develop their work.

Families can visit the Roosevelt art gallery, home to student exhibitions and creations. Students are proud artists and guides who enjoy discussing the new techniques and knowledge influencing their work.

All-Access Pass to Arts Education

Sixth graders explore the visual and performing arts. They contribute to Roosevelt’s unique creative culture and learn core content while growing as creators and performers.

Eighth grade is a time for expertise. Students better understand their artistic talents and academic abilities and choose two “art majors” for in-depth study and skill development.

Dance

Dance is an opportunity to create joy, and it’s something we take seriously at Roosevelt. Students from all grades participate in our dance curriculum. Our dance dress code reinforces professionalism and focus during studio classes and rehearsals.

Curriculum includes warm-ups for all dance genres with a focus on African, basic ballet, hip-hop, modern, and social dances. Performance opportunities include our winter and spring dance recitals, the Black African American History Program, and community performances.

Music

Studies show that students who sing in a choir or play an instrument and practice and attend lessons do better in school than students who do not have any music training.

Students in seventh and eighth grades have the opportunity to learn a band instrument. Roosevelt students can also participate in plays and musicals supported by Turnaround Arts and community teaching artists.

Theater

Students develop powerful oral and visual presentation skills that benefit them at every stage of life. They become critical thinkers and careful readers studying and adapting the work of writers like Langston Hughes, Maya Angelou, Lin Manuel Miranda, and even our own artist teachers. Auditions are part of the culture and set the stage for Roosevelt productions, and help students prepare for youth-theater and Milwaukee High School of the Arts auditions.

Sixth and seventh graders participate in one semester of theater arts. Classroom performances include scripted and improvised scenes. Scriptwriting assignments may include radio plays and puppet shows. Students visit one of Milwaukee’s professional theater companies for a live performance.

Eighth graders compare stage and film adaptations of popular works from Disney films to “Fame.” Assignments include writing and performing original scenes and preparing an audition portfolio. Class projects and school productions are opportunities to explore costume, lighting, set design, and event marketing.

Visual Arts

Student projects reach audiences and beautify our school in Roosevelt’s art gallery and become scenery, props, and posters for school productions.