Ms. Schwarz directs a scene. Band students rehearse for the Winter Concert Chorus students share the spotlight. Ms. Lamere displays student artwork around school. Students in Computers celebrate Poetry Month.

A Question of Talents By Emma M. There are five talent classes offered in Halsey; Band, Chorus, Drama, Art and Computers. Students get to ask for the talent they want in sixth grade and then take that talent for as long as they’re at Halsey. Talking with the different talent teachers you learn a great deal about what each talent has to offer. Drama- Ms. Schwarz What do you do in drama with your students? “We play games and improve work on creativity and spontinaty in addition to recalling and developing acting skills.” Is there a play coming up with any of your students? “Yes, right know it is top secret and under construction!!” What are some exercises you do in drama? “We warm voice, bodies and minds. One activity we did was the students made their own game with their tables. Then the students presented their games. The purpose was team building, leader empowerment and for fun.” Band- Ms. Cuevas What instrument do most students play? Most students play “drums and saxophone.” What instruments do you teach in your class? “Saxophone, drums, flute, clarinet, trumpet trombone, base baritone.” What is your next concert about? “December 17. No real theme. “ Ms. Cuevas added an exciting offering. “NEW- Percussion Class!!!!!” Chorus- Mr. Goodman What kinds of songs are you teaching? “All kinds of songs like holiday, gospel, popular, rock and roll, pop, and Michael Jackson.” Do you have a favorite out of all the songs? “My favorite is ‘North Pole Rock and Roll.’” Art- Ms. Lamere Do your students learn about art history or how to draw? “We do both learning to draw and art history.” How do you display your student’s artwork? “Everywhere, bulletin boards all around the school.”  Computers – Ms. Stahl-Van Brackle What do you hope your students will learn from your class? I really want my kids to come away from my class knowing what to do in situations they might find themselves in. If someone cyber bullies them, or they find their computer has been hacked, I want them to know how to handle the situation, which is to talk to an adult. What sort of projects do your students work on? We have a Web site and students are creating Web pages right now. We’ll be starting our movie unit after the Winter Break and I hope to have students work in machinimation.