Stories

CHCCS music teachers from Rashkis and Frank Porter Graham Bilingüe elementary schools brought fresh energy back to their classrooms after attending the American Orff Schulwerk Association National Conference in November, funded by a PSF Professional Development Grant. The conference inspired LiYing Noell (Rashkis) and Rody Huertas (FPGB) with new ideas in creativity, movement, music-making focused on social-emotional learning, and literacy-integrated music instruction. Mr. Huertas also led an interactive session on Afro-Puerto Rican cultural genres, sharing instruments, rhythms, games, and dances based on his work at FPGB. The teachers returned with vibrant lessons, repertoire, and strategies that strengthen early literacy skills and support district-wide alignment with the updated NC Arts Standards. They are also sharing their favorite takeaways with colleagues to spread the joy and increase the impact. These professional learning opportunities are made possible by gifts to the PSF annual Love & Roses fundraiser.