Visual and Performing Arts department highlights student awards and plans AP digital photography

Chapman, the Visual and Performing Arts presenter, told the school committee the department celebrated multiple student recognitions this year, including selections to the Boston Globe Scholastic Art exhibition, UMass Dartmouth exhibitions, and regional honors. Chapman said "we've had our first student finish the music pathway this year" and described an independent-composition project that included a recorded performance and a written score.

On AP outcomes, Chapman reported that eight out of 10 AP Studio Art portfolios earned qualifying scores, and highlighted that 10 students are enrolled in the digital arts pathway with plans to launch an AP digital photography course in fall 2026 for grades 1012 (prerequisite: a semester of digital photography). The presenter said staffing is unchanged for the coming year and the department is requesting maintenance-of-effort funding only; no new full-time positions were requested.

Committee members praised the outreach and festival participation and asked follow-up questions about equipment ownership (district-owned cameras/iPads are used in classes) and whether darkroom processes are taught (they are not). The committee acknowledged booster-group fundraising (PAPA) that supports trips, trailer purchase and equipment needs.