Change in graduation requirements for upcoming Norton HS students

March 2, 2016 5:19 pm

By Ana Bottary

@anabottary

Norton High School students are hard at work finishing art projects due by the end of class. Soon, a class like this will determine whether students will graduate or not.

"Starting with the class of 2020 we will require our students to take one year of the arts at Norton High School before they graduate. That includes visual arts, performance arts, which are music or drama," says Principal Megan Lafayette.

This week, the Norton school committee unanimously approved the change. It will put the school in line with the states recommended graduation requirements. Despite this years school district budget, where it will receive just $45-50 thousand, Principal Megan Lafayette says they aren’t concerned.

"Because we are starting with the class of 2020 it gives us enough time to absorb any kind of financial burden into our regular budget season," Lafayette adds.

Some may pose the question, how will paint brushes, sculptures, or taking a drama class help kids after high school? Robbin Lewicki, who has been an art teacher at the high school for more than 18 years, says art provides students with many skills for the future.

"Hand and eye coordination. But probably, mostly, observational skills. Noticing observational drawings, noticing what’s on their paper, seeing what works, noticing advertisements in the world around them,” she says.

The school hopes by requiring students to try different subjects, they will feel more well-rounded when applying to colleges.