So important to save this program. Made a huge difference for me in my time at North, and for so many others!!
N
Nita Brower
10 years ago
All three of my grown children are successful adults, and I believe the Theater Arts Program at North High School helped give them the self confidence to achieve their goals. They will never forget those musicals they starred in, but they can't remember many of the other classes.
A
Anita Smith
10 years ago
Featured
As a former North High thespian and musician and now current Des Moines Public School employee I am saddened by this news! The fine arts program at North High helped me to develop skills I have used in my career and is what inspired me to become an educator!
S
Summer Jay
10 years ago
Instead of cutting theatre which nobody gets hurt in theater. Why don't they think about cutting some football where kids get hurt and concussions and broken bones. I think they need to emphasize more on the art and kids creativity instead of worrying about hitting people and running after a little ball. Basketballs only for a short time theatre can give you a lifetime I've experienced friends and a future. Stop cutting the arts and students creativity.
K
Kathy Smith
10 years ago
Cutting the Theater Arts Program at North High School would be a terrible mistake. The experience and growth potential this program provides can not be replaced by any other high school experience. My time as a member of music theater class back in the early 1970s allowed me to be a part of something special that I will treasure always.
M
Mary Yearns
10 years ago
Don't cut the arts!
J
Jean basinger
10 years ago
Art is so important in education and life. Please do not cut these programs,
J
Jean basinger
10 years ago
Art is so important in education and life. Please do not cut these programs,
K
Kate Milligan
10 years ago
The arts are imperative to education. Retain this program full time,
J
Josh Ostermann
10 years ago
When I came to North High School, I hardly spoke to anyone. Joining the theater department was the biggest reason that I found a voice in the public setting. It provided an outlet for me to express myself and experience community in such an valuable and exciting way. Rixner worked tirelessly with me and everyone who wanted to work hard. He has put up with so many people who didn't take his class seriously. I owe a lot to him and the drama department and I know I'm hardly the only one.
B
Barb Addy
10 years ago
Mark Rixner is a genius with an enormous passion for his students and their education. Moreover, fine arts are a MUST for our public education system. It shouldn't be an option to cut ANY full time positions and certainly NOT a fine arts teacher.
T
Tabatha Stoner
10 years ago
It's sad that we have to loose programs like this due to funding.its these programs that help teach and develope positive characteristics in our children to keep them on track to be confident positive members of society and onto becoming good role models for generations to come.
K
Karla Ostermann
10 years ago
Mr. Rixner is a man of tremendous talent and leadership for our students. He has directly played a role in the lives of five of our children (so far). It astounds me that, we put millions of dollars in renovations of school buildings in Des Moines and then cut teacher positions. Teachers who incite/inspire excellence in their students, who also hold to high expectations of the work expected from students, ought to be more greatly honored as opposed to having their positions and influence diminished.
B
Barbara Rees
10 years ago
Take away theater and you destroy the soul of education. Theater is vital to allow students to express their creativity in a positive way. This is one of the worst ways to cut money in the school system. Please rethink it!
M
Michele Fechner Meewes
10 years ago
Theater at NHS under the direction of John Thompson and vocal music director Donna Emmons had a huge impact on me. I currently serve on the board of trustees of Arizona Broadway Theater whose purpose is to also preserve the arts. It starts in our schools!
J
jana Chafa lindstrom
10 years ago
Theatre at North with john Thompson changed my life...it gave me opportunities that are still blessing me!
D
Deborah Cameron
10 years ago
Drama & music are an important part of school. As a 1976 graduate of North I know as I was involved in both. Please keep the drama department as is.
G
Gwendolyn Crawford
10 years ago
The Arts are very important.
C
Corey
10 years ago
As a fellow arts kid I think this needs to be done. Arts are one of the most important things.
So important to save this program. Made a huge difference for me in my time at North, and for so many others!!
All three of my grown children are successful adults, and I believe the Theater Arts Program at North High School helped give them the self confidence to achieve their goals. They will never forget those musicals they starred in, but they can't remember many of the other classes.
As a former North High thespian and musician and now current Des Moines Public School employee I am saddened by this news! The fine arts program at North High helped me to develop skills I have used in my career and is what inspired me to become an educator!
Instead of cutting theatre which nobody gets hurt in theater. Why don't they think about cutting some football where kids get hurt and concussions and broken bones. I think they need to emphasize more on the art and kids creativity instead of worrying about hitting people and running after a little ball. Basketballs only for a short time theatre can give you a lifetime I've experienced friends and a future. Stop cutting the arts and students creativity.
Cutting the Theater Arts Program at North High School would be a terrible mistake. The experience and growth potential this program provides can not be replaced by any other high school experience. My time as a member of music theater class back in the early 1970s allowed me to be a part of something special that I will treasure always.
Don't cut the arts!
Art is so important in education and life. Please do not cut these programs,
Art is so important in education and life. Please do not cut these programs,
The arts are imperative to education. Retain this program full time,
When I came to North High School, I hardly spoke to anyone. Joining the theater department was the biggest reason that I found a voice in the public setting. It provided an outlet for me to express myself and experience community in such an valuable and exciting way. Rixner worked tirelessly with me and everyone who wanted to work hard. He has put up with so many people who didn't take his class seriously. I owe a lot to him and the drama department and I know I'm hardly the only one.
Mark Rixner is a genius with an enormous passion for his students and their education. Moreover, fine arts are a MUST for our public education system. It shouldn't be an option to cut ANY full time positions and certainly NOT a fine arts teacher.
It's sad that we have to loose programs like this due to funding.its these programs that help teach and develope positive characteristics in our children to keep them on track to be confident positive members of society and onto becoming good role models for generations to come.
Mr. Rixner is a man of tremendous talent and leadership for our students. He has directly played a role in the lives of five of our children (so far). It astounds me that, we put millions of dollars in renovations of school buildings in Des Moines and then cut teacher positions. Teachers who incite/inspire excellence in their students, who also hold to high expectations of the work expected from students, ought to be more greatly honored as opposed to having their positions and influence diminished.
Take away theater and you destroy the soul of education. Theater is vital to allow students to express their creativity in a positive way. This is one of the worst ways to cut money in the school system. Please rethink it!
Theater at NHS under the direction of John Thompson and vocal music director Donna Emmons had a huge impact on me. I currently serve on the board of trustees of Arizona Broadway Theater whose purpose is to also preserve the arts. It starts in our schools!
Theatre at North with john Thompson changed my life...it gave me opportunities that are still blessing me!
Drama & music are an important part of school. As a 1976 graduate of North I know as I was involved in both. Please keep the drama department as is.
The Arts are very important.
As a fellow arts kid I think this needs to be done. Arts are one of the most important things.
Will always be a polar bear