Comments on: Cinderella Moment

By: Amysilverman

Amysilverman — Wed, 06 May 2015 14:14:42 +0000

Thank you!!! All good questions, Jen, and things I’ve thought about a lot, which is why it’s taken me this long to say something. I think I can pursue it without shoving Sophie down their throats. And yes, as I mention at the bottom of the post, Sophie’s done and is doing a ton of theater camps, including Phoenix Theater. The cost is not the issue at all — take a peek at “teeps”‘s comment…. She explains better than I can why I feel this is important.

By: Jen

Jen — Tue, 28 Apr 2015 03:36:27 +0000

I cheer for Sophie, and love to hear of her accomplishments. I have to wonder, though, if it’s fair to expect the gifted school to make accommodations in this case. Would Sophie be able to pick up a role without the script needing tweaked and participate in the class; how good is she at memorization? Would it be fair to change the experience of all to accommodate one, no matter who it may be?
Please understand I do not wish to disparage Sophie in any way, and of course you want what is best for her.
Have you looked into some of the local theaters? Some have workshops for children; I think Phoenix Theater has a summer camp, but there is probably some cost involved.

By: teeps

teeps — Mon, 27 Apr 2015 13:15:23 +0000

the answer then, if the gifted academy (very interesting interview with linda kreger silverman, advocate for the gifted, in the current issuse of the sun) won’t allow kids from across the academic tracks to join in, is for sophie’s school to create a drama elective. gifted advocates claim that the more “egalitarian” gifted programs are, the less effective they are (a lot in this interview makes me uncomfortable, yet a lot, as a teacher and parent, i see…). i also know from starting an after-school writing center at my school that studies say after-school programs can’t even begin to compete with programs integrated into the school day, and, in fact, they’re doomed to fail. clearly this is an equal opportunity issue — an after-school club (imagine a “ballet club” where dancers — after a long, exhausting day of school’s ridiculous and many code-switching demands and class changes, so detrimental to the developing brain — practiced and trained informally?!) is in no way equal. they must create a real CLASS. this, and only this, will create equity for teacher and students. you’ve planted the seed. keep watering!

By: sam

sam — Mon, 27 Apr 2015 04:06:51 +0000

bravo for Sophie but the biggest bravo is yours for wanting more. . those were the birth pangs that resulted in Deotur . .I just wanted more . . more opportunity, more center stage, more costumes, glitter and standing ovations . . . .you will do, create and urge on so much more . .you already do . . s