For the last two years, the pandemic has dictated how we live our everyday lives. While the uncertainty and isolation can be difficult for adults, it presents an even bigger obstacle for children. “There has been so much restriction and distance,” notes Alissa Rowan, drama teacher at Community School. “Kids are hungry to connect and collaborate.” The independent elementary school and preschool is dedicated to fostering the intellectual, emotional and creative development in students age 3 through grade six. Its drama program is just one example of how the school works to support social and emotional growth and learning.
Taylor Mata, school counselor at Community School, works with every grade level. Along with facilitating group or individual counseling as needed, she visits classrooms to provide character-centered lessons. These lessons are reinforced through initiatives like Counselor’s Corner and Community Reads. “We create Counselor’s Corner videos based on concepts like anxiety, healthy friendships and kindness that are shared with the whole school,” Mata explains. “I also work with the librarian to choose books that deal with these issues, and we develop follow-up questions for teachers to start discussions in the classroom.” The videos are created in partnership with Rowan, who writes scripts that are performed by both students and faculty.
Mata and Rowan’s collaboration extends into the drama program. They work together to create productions that authentically reflect what students are experiencing. The plays are different every year, so they are relevant to the students who are performing, and each grade participates in the program. “Here at Community, drama is project-based,” Rowan says. “In their fall play, first-graders can work through issues like social skills and emotional expression. In Diary of a Fourth-Grader, fourth-graders are more involved in the scripting process, sharing their challenges and empathizing with others. Students help with all aspects of production, so they feel a real sense of leadership and ownership of these plays.”
With every student given the opportunity to perform, Community School creates a safe, supportive environment where they can creatively express themselves. Families can see the difference the drama program makes for their children. Drs. Amy Hilmer and Mauricio Sanchez say participating in productions has helped their daughter Johanna build important skills and become more confident. “Drama has been a special part of our child’s Community School experience,” they note. “Alissa Rowan’s plays have allowed Johanna to access her authentic self and build a foundation of self-confidence. We are very grateful for Community School’s commitment to supporting emotional growth through drama.”
The drama program is just one way in which Community School allows staff and students to come together as a community while working collaboratively. Not only do Rowan and Mata work together to create plays that reflect student experiences, but students are encouraged to bring their input and creativity to the process. Throughout the year, the entire school community comes together to enjoy the performances of every grade. “Community School is dedicated to helping our students develop as confident leaders who look for solutions that bring people together,” head of school Bob Cooke says. “The integration of life skills and character development in the drama program is a perfect example of that.”
Community School is an independent elementary school and preschool for ages 3 through grade six. It believes in fostering the intellectual, emotional and creative growth of students to encourage their development as leaders of the next generation. Pictured on the cover: School counselor Taylor Mata and drama teacher Alissa Rowan work with students. For more information, call 314.991.0005 or visit communityschool.com.
Cover design by Julie Streiler
Cover photo by Colin Miller of Strauss Peyton Photography
Pictured at top: Drama teacher Alissa Rowan and school counselor Taylor Mata
Photo: Colin Miller of Strauss Peyton Photography
