Schools of the Week: Oak View Elementary and Brentwood Middle

The Page Middle theater department traveled to the Renaissance during its spring production, Something Rotten! Jr.

In the 1590s, brothers Nick and Nigel Bottom are desperate to write a hit play but are stuck in the shadows of Williams Shakespeare himself. When the local soothsayer foretells that the future of theater involves singing and dancing, Nick and Nigel set out to write the very first musical.

"My favorite part about this show and the making of it was the insane amount of love and care everyone put into it," said Page Middle eighth grader Xander. "The amount of work the cast, crew, PTO and directors put in was astounding. This show is very dialogue heavy compared to many other junior shows, which I absolutely love. Any opportunity to make big choices or make people laugh is all I really need to be extremely proud of myself and everyone else in the show. Also, an absolutely huge shoutout to my father for designing an unreal set and of course huge thank you to all the people who helped put it together."

The show gave students an opportunity to build upon their previous work in A Midsummer Night's Dream last spring, said Page Middle theater director Caitlin Galo.

"This show was a love letter to our program and all of the players that make a production like this come to life," Galo said. "These students are incredibly talented, and I am so thankful for them and the community, parents and administration that support the Page Middle Players. It is truly such a joy to see these students shine, and I am blessed to be their director."

The Mill Creek Middle theater department's spring musical was front page worthy.

Newsies, Jr. told the story of the newsboys in turn-of-the-century New York City.

"I love this production and title so much," said MCMS theater director Aly Isom. "From the dancing to the harmonies and beyond, this production became a core memory for all of us who were part of it. Learning about the Industrial Revolution and children's rights in 1899 became a turning point for the depth of our understanding of the art in Newsies. Working with my students is the most enjoyable, fulfilling work I could ask for. I am so grateful for my students, their parents and my directing team."

Jack Kelly, a newsie with a dream to travel to Santa Fe, New Mexico, rallied his fellow child workers to take on the unfair working conditions created by Joe Pulitzer and other adults.

"I loved how fun the production was," said MCMS student Everly. "The rehearsals were enjoyable, and it all fell into place so easily. I streamed the musical production so much that I couldn't wait to perform it."

Newsies, Jr. ran from April 23 through May 2.

Students at Hunters Bend Elementary are learning about community helpers and how they keep us safe.

The school hosted a First Responders Day on May 1. Some of the special guests included members of the Franklin Fire Department, the Franklin Police Department, the Williamson County Sheriff’s Office, the Williamson County Emergency Management Agency and the Tennessee Highway Patrol.

“This is such a neat way for the students to see how these hard-working men and women put their lives on the line to keep us safe,” said HBES fourth-grade teacher Mary Flemming.

High school student-athletes from around the district gathered at Nolensville High for a unified track meet Monday, May 4.

Students competed in various events, including the long jump, shot put and more.

This year's Admiral Games sailed through the gymnasium at Franklin High Friday, May 1. 

Franklin High students cheered on their Transition I and II peers as they competed for medals in a series of athletic events, including 50-yard dash, high jump and more.

"Admiral Games is one of the most meaningful events we do at Franklin because it gives our students with disabilities the chance to be celebrated as athletes in front of the entire school. Watching them compete with so much joy, confidence, and determination is incredibly special. For our students, it is a chance to feel seen, supported, and proud," said Transition 2 teacher Leah Sulmonetti. "For me, it is a reminder that sports are about belonging, community, and giving every student the chance to shine."