Bates Middle Gets $5K for Performing Arts Program

Students at Wiley H. Bates Middle School recently drew the attention of the College Board, which donated $5,000 for the school's performing arts program.

The school was named a recipient of the Award for Excellence and Innovation in the Arts by the College Board, according to a press release from the school system.

“The selection committee was immensely impressed with the demonstrated gains in academic performance and student engagement that have been achieved since implementing the “Get SmArt through Art” program,” College Board Assistant Director Sarah Balistreri wrote in a congratulatory letter to the school.

Bates Middle became the county’s first fully arts-integrated school as well as a magnet school for the visual and performing arts in 2008. 

“It has succeeded on all accounts and has become a model for using arts integration in the teaching/learning process as schools across the country have come to observe,” said Bates Middle School principal Paul DeRoo. “Both students and teachers have become more positive and engaged in teaching, learning, and in developing creative and critical-thinking skills.”

The grant money will be used toward growth and continuation of that program, according to a press release from the school system.