Dear TCAA Family,
We are excited to kick off our 75th Anniversary Celebration with Artsathon: TCAA Through the Ages, a virtual time capsule of our past, celebration of our present, and announcements & discussion to get us excited about the future of our organization.

From the first rehearsal of the Denton Civic Boys Choir in 1946 - which laid the foundation for Texas Boys Choir, Inc. - to growing and evolving to where we are today, Texas Center for Arts + Academics has always supported the talents and creativity of our students.

This year, we learned that even when we cannot perform in person, the show must go on! Artsathon: Live! was a tremendous success this spring, and we couldn't wait to bring it back!

This fundraiser will serve as the final cap to our annual fundraising drive, and there will be opportunities throughout the evening to support the great work of our schools and fine arts programs. Tune in on Facebook Live Sunday, September 27th from 6-9pm for performances from current TCAA families, faculty, and alumni, interviews, announcements, and prizes throughout the evening!

Make sure you “Like” the Texas Center for Arts + Academics Facebook Page and invite your friends and family to the Artsathon: TCAA Through the Ages Event on Facebook so everyone can tune-in to see your segment.
More Details Coming Soon!
The Student Choreography Concert is the first performance of the school year and will feature all styles of dance – including solos, duets, and small group pieces. This year's concert will be directed by FWAFA students, Trinity Smith, Alyssa Stevenson, and Isabelle Vivas.

We are currently working through the details of how we will perform virtually but students are already hard at work on their pieces. For now, save the date!
September 27 | 6pm
If you'd like to submit a performance for Artsathon, Click Here.
Even though classes have already begun, students can still join our after-school conservatory classes. We are currently meeting after school in a virtual format - but are excited to be working on plans to transition back to in-person classes. Read more below about each program and Sign Up Now!
  • New program launched in 2020, to add after-school choral & music training for both boys and girls in the community. 
  • Ensembles led under the direction of the Artistic Directors from Texas Boys Choir and Singing Girls of Texas. 
  • Private lesson experiences offer students the opportunity for one on one feedback and skill development. 
  • Classes taught by instructors with art degrees, who are active local artists with expertise in their specific form. 
  • Art classes improve critical thinking skills, strengthen hand-eye coordination, and increase students' capacity to problem-solve and connect ideas.  
  • Students will participate in a Gallery Showing in June teaching them how to display and talk about their work in a public setting. 
  • Entering its 6th season, program will continue with tradition of rigorous instruction in high quality classes that nurture the growth of young dancers in a fun, accessible and inclusive environment.  
  • Mid-year and end of year progress reports allow parents to see where their dancers are excelling and what their goals for improving are. 
  • Primary dance techniques include ballet, modern, and jazz. 
Monday, September 7th is Labor Day - our schools & offices will be closed.

There will be no zoom meetings or assignments for students!
TCAA Start of School Update:
The TCAA Board voted on a Waiver for a Four Week Extension for both TeSA and FWAFA at the August 25th TCAA Board Meeting. This was submitted to TEA to start In-School Learning on October 13, 2020. Until that time, TCAA will continue with the FWAFA and TeSA At-Home Learning Plan with all students who choose In-School Learning reporting to school, in-person, on Tuesday, October 13 at 8:00 a.m.

Unless we are required to close school by the Texas Education Agency, TCAA schools will offer both In-School and At-Home Learning models for the remainder of the 2020-2021 school year.

If you would like to change your commitment from one learning environment to another, this can be done by emailing the principal two weeks prior to the end of each grading period.

Deadlines to make a change:
2nd six weeks - September 11
3rd six weeks - October 23
4th six weeks - January 5
5th six weeks - February 5
6th six weeks - March 26

To see our full Transition Plan for In-School Success, Click Here.
All campus procedures and safety measures can be found in our Safe Return-To-School Health Plan.

Our next FB Live Q&A will be Monday, September 14th at 6pm. Please send in questions to monica.sheehan@artsacademics.org.

We thank you for your continued support and grace as we navigate our way back to offering in-school instruction. We will continue to update you as we receive new information. Stay safe and healthy.

Patricia Thomson, Ph.D. 
Interim Chief Executive Officer and President 
Texas Center for Arts + Academics 
  
Nancy Vaughan, Ed.D. 
Interim Chief Academic Officer 
Texas Center for Arts + Academics 
Please Visit Our Website for the most current TCAA news and updates.
A Message from TeSA Principal, Mrs. Compton:
I'd like to introduce our incredible Fine Arts and P.E. Team! There is no place like TeSA because we are one of the few elementary schools in the state offering all four Fine Arts! Even our P.E. classes are a little different because the incredible Coach B has a Fine Arts background and infuses creativity in every lesson! Click on each picture below to learn a little more about the teacher.

Artistically & Academically Yours,
Betsy Compton
TeSA Fine Arts & P.E. Team:
Coach B. - P.E.
Ms. Ibañez - Dance
Ms. Campbell - Music
Mrs. Grober - Visual Art
Ms. Kilgore - Theatre
TeSA Virtual Howdy Week is Sept 8-11!
Be sure to email your photos to photos@mytesa.org so we can share on social media and use them for our 2020-2021 Yearbook!
TeSA PTO will share the themes with you THIS WEEK - keep an eye out!
A Message from FWAFA Principal, Dr. Jackson:
I just want to take a moment to thank Darla Jones, Nancy Kirby, Leslie Cook, and Kim Jennings for all of their help answering the help@fwafa.org emails. From dawn to dusk, during the opening week of school, this team answered all kinds of email questions to help students get logged in and acclimated to the virtual learning environment. Thank you for your teamwork and leadership!

Creatively yours,
Dr. Jennifer K. Jackson
help@fwafa.org Team:
FWAFA Virtual Howdy Week
We had a great virtual howdy week! Even though we had to #howdyathome, it was so much fun to see all of your faces and fun outfits each day. We can't wait until we're all together again so we can say "Howdy" face-to-face! Here are a few highlights from the week - see more on the FWAFA Facebook page.
Sept 2: PTO Meeting @10 a.m.
Sept 3: Drive Thru Pick Up -
All Grades @7:30-8:30am OR 4:30-5:30pm
Sept 7: Last Day to order Dance/P.E. Uniforms & Spirit Wear
Sept 7: No School - Labor Day
Sept 8: Progress Reports
Sept 8-11: Virtual Howdy Week
Sept 11: Drive Thru Breakfast Buddies
Sept 14: "TCAA Talk" - FB Live Q&A @6pm
Sept 16: Virtual Grandparents & Grub
Sept 25: Early Dismissal
Sept 27: Artsathon - TCAA Through the Ages
Live on FB @6pm
Sept 30: Report Cards

EVERY FRIDAY IS SPIRIT DAY!
Sept 2: Sign Up to Audition for MS Play
Sept 4: Spirit Wear Orders Due
Sept 4: MS Audition Videos Due
Sept 7: No School - Labor Day
Sept 9: Progress Reports
Sept 14: "TCAA Talk" - FB Live Q&A @6pm
Sept 15: Back to School talk with Dr. Jackson - FB Live @6pm
Back to School Nights - for those who opted for in-person learning
Sept 16:
6pm - 7pm - Grades 3 and 4
7pm - 8pm - Grades 7, 8, and 9
Sept 17:
6pm - 7pm - Grades 5 and 6
7pm - 8pm - Grades 10, 11, and 12
Sept 18: Thespian Virtual Scavenger Hunt @4pm - 5pm
Sept 18: Student Choreography Concert @7pm
Sept 25: Early Dismissal
Sept 27: Artsathon - TCAA Through the Ages
Live on FB @6pm

EVERY FRIDAY IS SPIRIT DAY!
Quick Links for Parents: