TAPA Historical Perspectives Team Wins First Place Civic Education Merit Award
Every year, the League of Women Voters awards the Susan B.Wilson Civic Education Merit Award to select Rhode Island history educators. This year the first place award went to the TAPA Historical Perspectives team: Mr. Kevin Cordeiro, Mr. Mike McGuigan and Mr. David J. Sousa. This award recognizes their extraordinary teaching ability and innovation, and their focus on:
TAPA serves a population of students whose collective experience can be described as understudied, underrepresented, and underserved by the traditional Western-centric humanities curriculum. The goal of TAPA’s Historical Perspectives program, then, is to support a critically engaged student body that is empowered with the tools to understand and alter their communities, demand more inclusive educational models, and challenge pedagogy that does not place a fair emphasis on students’ unique cultural capital.
At this moment in time, TAPA’s Historical Perspectives Team is deeply engaged with our students about the recent and ongoing pivotal civic events centering around the death of George Floyd and the Black Lives Matter movement. The team is connecting with students to listen to their stories, and help them to figure out their role and find their voice to participate in this historical moment. In recent days, the TAPA students have frequently referenced how their extensive grounding in history and deep knowledge of civics are helping them to navigate the unrest of the present day. We are grateful to these three exceptional educators for giving our students the tools they need to engage in current and essential civic issues.
- Enriching students' understanding of their own civic rights and responsibilities;
- Encouraging students' civic participation;
- Bringing context and relevance to pivotal civic events--historic and/or current--affecting the United States on a national, regional, statewide, or local level;
- Promoting understanding and appreciation of individuals who play a role in aforementioned pivotal civic events.
TAPA serves a population of students whose collective experience can be described as understudied, underrepresented, and underserved by the traditional Western-centric humanities curriculum. The goal of TAPA’s Historical Perspectives program, then, is to support a critically engaged student body that is empowered with the tools to understand and alter their communities, demand more inclusive educational models, and challenge pedagogy that does not place a fair emphasis on students’ unique cultural capital.
At this moment in time, TAPA’s Historical Perspectives Team is deeply engaged with our students about the recent and ongoing pivotal civic events centering around the death of George Floyd and the Black Lives Matter movement. The team is connecting with students to listen to their stories, and help them to figure out their role and find their voice to participate in this historical moment. In recent days, the TAPA students have frequently referenced how their extensive grounding in history and deep knowledge of civics are helping them to navigate the unrest of the present day. We are grateful to these three exceptional educators for giving our students the tools they need to engage in current and essential civic issues.
TAPA One of Two Winners of XQ + RI Competition
TAPA was named as one of only two winners in the statewide XQ + RI competition, described in depth in this article, along with Ponaganset High School.
Following almost a year of intensive plan development, TAPA’s XQ team of staff, students and family members has accomplished what once seemed unthinkable for our tiny urban charter school in the throes of purchasing and moving into a new school building. All 64 RI public school districts were initially invited to participate, with 32 submitting proposals and 20 entering the final round. This final round entailed months of design work and statewide collaboration. Today, TAPA won: not just $500,000 in significant grant funding, but a powerful public acknowledgement of all our hard work as a school community in the spheres that matter most.
TAPA’s application focuses on putting an increased focus on embracing the “artist mindset,” and fully developing the skill set of an artist in our students. The artist mindset taps into the students creative energy, and allows them to think outside-of-the-norm. The adaptive nature of the artists allows them to process and iterate with whatever materials they have, and deliver something meaningful. Artists are flexible, and resilient, and know that no-matter-what, the show must go on. Students with this mindset graduate from our school, and are already uniquely equipped to drive change in this state, in this country, in this world.
This win shows our families and students that TAPA is a place of promise, and it solidifies our reputation with an excellent national organization that was under absolutely no obligation to support us. This objective, outside, nationally known stamp of strong belief is a profound vote of confidence in our Board, staff, students, and families. The fruits of the team’s labor will serve us for years to come in terms of our identity as a school. As Assistant Head of School and TAPA XQ team leader Andy MacMannis put it, “this win marks the start of TAPA’s future.”
Following almost a year of intensive plan development, TAPA’s XQ team of staff, students and family members has accomplished what once seemed unthinkable for our tiny urban charter school in the throes of purchasing and moving into a new school building. All 64 RI public school districts were initially invited to participate, with 32 submitting proposals and 20 entering the final round. This final round entailed months of design work and statewide collaboration. Today, TAPA won: not just $500,000 in significant grant funding, but a powerful public acknowledgement of all our hard work as a school community in the spheres that matter most.
TAPA’s application focuses on putting an increased focus on embracing the “artist mindset,” and fully developing the skill set of an artist in our students. The artist mindset taps into the students creative energy, and allows them to think outside-of-the-norm. The adaptive nature of the artists allows them to process and iterate with whatever materials they have, and deliver something meaningful. Artists are flexible, and resilient, and know that no-matter-what, the show must go on. Students with this mindset graduate from our school, and are already uniquely equipped to drive change in this state, in this country, in this world.
This win shows our families and students that TAPA is a place of promise, and it solidifies our reputation with an excellent national organization that was under absolutely no obligation to support us. This objective, outside, nationally known stamp of strong belief is a profound vote of confidence in our Board, staff, students, and families. The fruits of the team’s labor will serve us for years to come in terms of our identity as a school. As Assistant Head of School and TAPA XQ team leader Andy MacMannis put it, “this win marks the start of TAPA’s future.”
TAPA named to Providence Monthly's "Who to Watch in 2020" List
The Providence Monthly “Who to Watch” issue is a highly anticipated one city-wide, as it starts the year with an idea of which people and places in the city we need to keep an eye on. Selections span the worlds of politics, arts and culture, the food industry, and more!
TAPA is thrilled to be honored as one of Providence Monthly’s “Who to Watch” in 2020. We are excited for this opportunity to share with everyone our vision for our artist-scholars, as we begin our journey as a permanent institution on DownCity Providence.
Read the article in Providence Monthly, and watch the interview with Ms. Richards-Hegnauer and Mr. MacMannis on the Who to Watch feature from NBC 10.
TAPA is thrilled to be honored as one of Providence Monthly’s “Who to Watch” in 2020. We are excited for this opportunity to share with everyone our vision for our artist-scholars, as we begin our journey as a permanent institution on DownCity Providence.
Read the article in Providence Monthly, and watch the interview with Ms. Richards-Hegnauer and Mr. MacMannis on the Who to Watch feature from NBC 10.
Eliza Bryant Named RI School Counselor of the Year
Congratulations to TAPA’s own Eliza Bryant, who has been named as the Rhode Island School Counselor of the year! This award from the Rhode Island School Counseling Association means, among other things, that Ms. Bryant will be flown to Washington DC to be honored as RI’s recipient (and compete for the national title). This is an award that is usually given to big-district counselors after long careers in the field, so it is a special honor that Eliza was selected.
We are incredibly proud of Ms. Bryant. We know that if every school had someone like her, the college matriculation-and-graduation gap between poor students of color and their more affluent peers would be closed within a generation, and we have the statistics to prove it: 100% of TAPA students leave with a post-secondary plan, that is attainable and aligned with their life goals, whether they aspire to college or a career. 100% of TAPA students apply and are accepted to college; with over 85% accepted to a four year college. Of those students, 70% have persisted and are enrolled in college by the second year following graduation. Thanks to Eliza, we are on track to crush the national average of 11% of first-generation college applicants who earn a college degree.
How did Eliza do it? Over the past five years, she has built up a robust college access and success program that has spilled out of the guidance office and into the classrooms. She has used her leadership skills as a student advocate to enact systemic change and make a transformational difference for our students:
Eliza started and led TAPA’s Dual Enrollment Program, where high school students attend credit-bearing college courses. The DE program grew from 2 seniors in 2016 to 70-80% of each senior class since 2018. Starting last year, she opened the program to 11th graders, and now over 80% of each junior class participates in DE.
Eliza also designed and implemented wrap-around college access initiatives and support: Each TAPA student begins their personalized college process with a professional one-on-one meeting with Eliza, a process that unfolds throughout their senior year. But, college access isn’t something that Eliza does in a vacuum. Working in close collaboration with Administration and teacher leaders, Eliza designed a college and career readiness curriculum that is now implemented daily by master educators during a 90 minute Dual Enrollment and College Prep block. Additionally, in order to prepare our students for the work of college, Eliza has helped to strengthen the rigor of courses schoolwide, bringing in: AP Biology, AP English Capstone, and numerous courses through the Advanced Course Network.
Eliza’s college-going support doesn’t stop when a TAPA student graduates. She established and secured funding for an alumni coordinator. Due to the hard work of Eliza and the Alumni Coordinator, our Class of 2019 statistics are the best they’ve ever been: over 80% of the class of 2019 is enrolled in college, with all other students in identifiable post-secondary programs such as HVAC school and Job Corps.
Eliza’s work here at TAPA has played out in many tangible ways, but none that have received as much RIDE recognition as the jump we have seen in our PSAT/SAT scores. We went from seeking out test-optional colleges, to having better average outcomes than the state: 71% of TAPA students, vs. 67% of Rhode Island students statewide, were meeting or approaching the ELA benchmarks on the PSAT in April 2019.
Eliza Bryant is an exceptional school counselor and an incredible asset to our school. On behalf of the whole TAPA ensemble, Congratulations to Ms. Bryant on this well-deserved honor!
We are incredibly proud of Ms. Bryant. We know that if every school had someone like her, the college matriculation-and-graduation gap between poor students of color and their more affluent peers would be closed within a generation, and we have the statistics to prove it: 100% of TAPA students leave with a post-secondary plan, that is attainable and aligned with their life goals, whether they aspire to college or a career. 100% of TAPA students apply and are accepted to college; with over 85% accepted to a four year college. Of those students, 70% have persisted and are enrolled in college by the second year following graduation. Thanks to Eliza, we are on track to crush the national average of 11% of first-generation college applicants who earn a college degree.
How did Eliza do it? Over the past five years, she has built up a robust college access and success program that has spilled out of the guidance office and into the classrooms. She has used her leadership skills as a student advocate to enact systemic change and make a transformational difference for our students:
Eliza started and led TAPA’s Dual Enrollment Program, where high school students attend credit-bearing college courses. The DE program grew from 2 seniors in 2016 to 70-80% of each senior class since 2018. Starting last year, she opened the program to 11th graders, and now over 80% of each junior class participates in DE.
Eliza also designed and implemented wrap-around college access initiatives and support: Each TAPA student begins their personalized college process with a professional one-on-one meeting with Eliza, a process that unfolds throughout their senior year. But, college access isn’t something that Eliza does in a vacuum. Working in close collaboration with Administration and teacher leaders, Eliza designed a college and career readiness curriculum that is now implemented daily by master educators during a 90 minute Dual Enrollment and College Prep block. Additionally, in order to prepare our students for the work of college, Eliza has helped to strengthen the rigor of courses schoolwide, bringing in: AP Biology, AP English Capstone, and numerous courses through the Advanced Course Network.
Eliza’s college-going support doesn’t stop when a TAPA student graduates. She established and secured funding for an alumni coordinator. Due to the hard work of Eliza and the Alumni Coordinator, our Class of 2019 statistics are the best they’ve ever been: over 80% of the class of 2019 is enrolled in college, with all other students in identifiable post-secondary programs such as HVAC school and Job Corps.
Eliza’s work here at TAPA has played out in many tangible ways, but none that have received as much RIDE recognition as the jump we have seen in our PSAT/SAT scores. We went from seeking out test-optional colleges, to having better average outcomes than the state: 71% of TAPA students, vs. 67% of Rhode Island students statewide, were meeting or approaching the ELA benchmarks on the PSAT in April 2019.
Eliza Bryant is an exceptional school counselor and an incredible asset to our school. On behalf of the whole TAPA ensemble, Congratulations to Ms. Bryant on this well-deserved honor!
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TAPA was awarded a $25,000 planning grant as one of only 20 Rhode Island public high school teams selected to compete in XQ+RI: Rhode Island’s XQ Challenge.
XQ is the nation’s leading organization dedicated to reimagining high school education so every student succeeds, and this cohort represents their first foray into focusing in a state as-a-whole.
TAPA, as well as each of the selected teams, will use their $25,000 grant to continue building their proposals into complete innovation plans. All the selected schools will focus on the build out of their initial plans, and in 2020 up to five schools will be selected for implementation grants of up to $500,000.
To learn more about XQ, visit https://xqsuperschool.org/
To learn more about XQ+RI, visit www.RIDE.ri.gov/xqri or contact XQRI@ride.ri.gov.
To learn more about TAPA’s XQ Efforts, contact mr.macmannis@tapaprovidence.org. We will begin ramping up efforts soon, and are looking to build TAPA’s planning team!
The 17 schools selected for planning grants are:
360 High School
Dr. Jorge Alvarez High School
Chariho Regional High School
William B. Cooley, Sr. High School
East Providence High School
E-Cubed Academy
Evolutions High School
Highlander Charter
Hope High School
The Metropolitan Regional Career and Technical Center
Mt. Hope High School
Mount Pleasant High School
Ponaganset High School
Scituate Senior High School
Smithfield Senior High School
Trinity Academy for the Performing Arts
Woonsocket High School
Additionally, 3 teams are engaging communities in developing new concepts for high school that will help more of their children reach their full potential:
The Learning Community
The University College High School (Roger Williams University)
YouthBuild Preparatory Academy
To learn more about XQ+RI, visit www.RIDE.ri.gov/xqri or contact XQRI@ride.ri.gov.
To learn more about TAPA’s XQ Efforts, contact mr.macmannis@tapaprovidence.org. We will begin ramping up efforts soon, and are looking to build TAPA’s planning team!
The 17 schools selected for planning grants are:
360 High School
Dr. Jorge Alvarez High School
Chariho Regional High School
William B. Cooley, Sr. High School
East Providence High School
E-Cubed Academy
Evolutions High School
Highlander Charter
Hope High School
The Metropolitan Regional Career and Technical Center
Mt. Hope High School
Mount Pleasant High School
Ponaganset High School
Scituate Senior High School
Smithfield Senior High School
Trinity Academy for the Performing Arts
Woonsocket High School
Additionally, 3 teams are engaging communities in developing new concepts for high school that will help more of their children reach their full potential:
The Learning Community
The University College High School (Roger Williams University)
YouthBuild Preparatory Academy
TAPA Students Finish Second Place in the East Coast Division for C-SPAN StudentCam Video Competition!
The 2nd Amendment: With its unBEARable consequences
We are very excited to celebrate this achievement by TAPA's students, and invite you all to join us Wednesday, April 3rd from 11:30am-12:15pm when C-SPAN visits TAPA: Trinity Academy for the Performing Arts and awards TAPA students Raymond Baccari, Jovan Jimenez, and Aydan Santos.
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A TAPA student film was awarded Second Place-Northeast for the C-SPAN Student Cam 2019 contest. This film, “The 2nd Amendment - With Its UnBEARable Consequences”, was directed and created by TAPA students Raymond Baccari, Jovan Jimenez, and Aydan Santos. They have spent the year meeting with politicians and critical figures in the state to create a mini-documentary on the second amendment and how it defines the American experience.
Through relentless organization and outreach, and with the support of TAPA Film Artist in Residence Nick Marcoux, Raymond conducted in-person interviews with Senator Sheldon Whitehouse, Mayor Jorge Elorza, Congressman David Cicilline, Mayoral Candidates Dee Dee Whitman and Kobi Dennis, Lieutenant Governor Dan McKee, Speaker of the House Nicolas Mattiello, and WPRI journalist Tim White. Jovan and Aydan led the camerawork on this project. C-SPAN will be coming to TAPA on Wednesday, April 3rd from 11:30am-12:15pm to award Raymond, Jovan, and Aydan their $1,500 prize. C-SPAN will bring their media team, will screen the winning film, and present certificates and a big check to the winning students. Parents, Press and Community Members are invited to attend. A link to “The 2nd Amendment- With Its UnBEARable Consequences” can be found online at: tiny.cc/tapafilm. Information on the C-SPAN Student Cam competition can be found at http://www.studentcam.org |
Rhode Island recently published the RICAS and PSAT scores comparing the states educational achievement with Massachusetts, one of the highest performing states in the country. TAPA is committed to ensuring our students are receiving the highest level of academic resources and support and would like to share our data and next steps with you. While we all have work to do to improve educational equity across the state we are proud of our TAPA students and ready to tackle the challenges ahead.
The Providence Gay Men's Chorus has chosen TAPA as their nonprofit partner to receive the proceeds from their Friday Night Holiday Concert, December 7th.
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The theme of this year's holiday concert series is "Can You Feel It?" Concert is multi-denominational, international, and family friendly. TAPA Music Majors will be performing! FAMILIES ENCOURAGED TO ATTEND. Tickets are $25 and available here. Comp tickets for students and discount tickets for parents available. CONTACT THE MAIN OFFICE OR CLICK HERE TO PRINT YOUR DISCOUNT TICKET COUPON. 
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TAPA HAS THE 2nd HIGHEST ATTENDANCE RATE OF ANY SCHOOL IN THE STATE OF RHODE ISLAND!!!
Check it out: https://www3.ride.ri.gov/Attendance/public/IndexType
(Also, it's a real-time leaderboard, so bookmark the site and watch us continue to climb!)
TAPA FEATURED IN SEPTEMBER ISSUE OF PROVIDENCE MONTHLY
TAPA GEAR IS HERE!
¡MERCANCÍA ESCOLAR A LA VENTA!
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HOW TO PLACE AN ORDER/COMO HACER UN PEDIDO:
- PRINT AN ORDER FORM BY CLICKING HERE OR PICK ONE UP IN THE MAIN OFFICE.
- CHOOSE DESIRED ITEMS AND SUBMIT COMPLETED FORM ALONG FULL CASH OR CHECK PAYMENT TO MAIN OFFICE OR MR. SOUSA, DEAN OF STUDENTS.
DECANO DE ESTUDIANTES.
- YOUR ORDER WILL BE PLACED WHEN RECEIVED AND WILL TAKE 2-3 WEEKS TO COME IN.
- FOR QUESTIONS ABOUT A PLACED ORDER, CONTACT MR. SOUSA, 432-7881, MR.SOUSA@TAPAPROVIDENCE.ORG
- CLICK HERE FOR TAPA GEAR Q&A
OUR TAPA THEATER MAJORS WERE BUSY THIS SUMMER!
Jacqueline Johnson performed at Fringe Fest as part of an art exhibit by Philippe Lejeune. Here is a link to a video from his Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/p/BmHFmv-AZ6_/
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Kayla Ribeiro performed at YASI and Ms. Starr and Mr. White went out to see her.
And Mr. White’s Improv Troupe (Bring Your Own Improv) celebrated it’s 10th anniversary and was on the Rhode Show!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1HMdqmj0x74
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AND won a RI Monthly Best of Award!
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TAPA's Steven Rosario in Washington, DC
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TAPA's Honors' Breakfast
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The Quarter 3 Honor Roll breakfast was a major success! Guests also enjoyed Amos House's catering and live music performed by TAPA Music Majors.
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TAPA Senior Steven Rosario won the 2018 RI State Poetry Out Loud Competition held on Sunday, March 4 at the RISD Museum. Steven attended the national finals in Washington, DC. in April, where he met with RIs state senator. "Steven Rosario is a great student, and exceptional young man", said Senator Jack Reed.
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TAPA's New Health and Wellness Committee
A successful first meeting was held of of TAPA’s Health and Wellness Committee!
Our amazing Nurse Tuck gathered parents, Board Members, students and staff together on April 30th to discuss family wellness, obesity prevention, nutrition, health education, and much more. Check out the Healthy Ensemble Newsletter Volume 1 June 2018, an initiative of the TAPA Health & Wellness Committee written by TAPA's Nurse Lisa Tuck. |
The Rhode Island Civic Leadership Award Winners - Manuel Mejia and Sany Ramirez
Secretary of State Nellie M. Gorbea honored Sany Ramirez and Manuel Mejia from Trinity Academy for the Performing Arts this month with the 2018 Rhode Island Civic Leadership Award. The award is given annually at a State House Ceremony to high school students who have made outstanding contributions to their schools and communities over the past year.
“Each year, I have the honor of presenting the Rhode Island Civic Leadership award to remarkable student leaders from all over the state,” Secretary Gorbea said. “Everyday citizens must have a strong voice in the democratic process and these students are setting a great example of how to be engaged in their community. In their efforts to positively impact the world around them, today’s award winners provide Rhode Islanders with a promising glimpse into the future of our state.”
High Schools from around Rhode Island nominated two students who best meet the ideals of the award, including public service, leadership ability, and academic achievement. 148 students were honored for work ranging from volunteering to help end hunger and homelessness in Rhode Island to working with students with disabilities to leadership roles in their student government.
Mr. David Sousa, TAPA's lead history teacher and Dean of Students, says that he nominated Sany and Manny based on their outstanding demonstration of school leadership, academic growth, and embracing the ensemble atmosphere of TAPA through their performing arts major of music. Sany and Manny have recently received excellent scores on the state's English language proficiency test and have exited the ESL program.
Secretary Gorbea is working to increase knowledge of state history and how government works to engage more Rhode Islanders in their government. She is committed to engaging and empowering all Rhode Islanders by making government more accessible and transparent and encouraging civic pride.
High Schools from around Rhode Island nominated two students who best meet the ideals of the award, including public service, leadership ability, and academic achievement. 148 students were honored for work ranging from volunteering to help end hunger and homelessness in Rhode Island to working with students with disabilities to leadership roles in their student government.
Mr. David Sousa, TAPA's lead history teacher and Dean of Students, says that he nominated Sany and Manny based on their outstanding demonstration of school leadership, academic growth, and embracing the ensemble atmosphere of TAPA through their performing arts major of music. Sany and Manny have recently received excellent scores on the state's English language proficiency test and have exited the ESL program.
Secretary Gorbea is working to increase knowledge of state history and how government works to engage more Rhode Islanders in their government. She is committed to engaging and empowering all Rhode Islanders by making government more accessible and transparent and encouraging civic pride.
TAPA's Excellent English Language Learners
TAPA's English Language Learners have shown amazing progress in a short time. Five of our seventeen ELLs have exited the Academy's ESL program based on passing TAPA's rigorous course studies and the State's English language proficiency test: ACCESS 2.0. TAPA’s combination of an academic and performing arts curriculum has created an educational environment that allows our ELLs to thrive and develop their English Language Proficiency skills.
The honored students are:
Esdrizabeth Pereyra Cuello- Esdizabeth came to the US from the Dominican Republic in September of 2017. She began regular classes at TAPA with ESL support using the collaborative model. She has shown phenomenal progress in one school year at TAPA.
Sany Ramirez- Sany came to the US from the Dominican Republic in 2012. Sany entered the Providence school system for one year and struggled with behavioral issues that impeded his academic growth. Sany was also struggling with his literacy skills - reading and writing. He began regular classes at TAPA with ESL support using the Collaborative Model in 2013. Sany credits TAPA’s music program for his amazing growth in literacy skills. He feels the structure and ensemble atmosphere of the school reversed his behavioral issues.
Franlis Martinez- Franlis came to the US from the Dominican Republic in February of 2015 without any English skills. Franlis entered the Providence school system for one semester. He struggled and floundered socially and academically before transferring to TAPA. He began regular classes at TAPA September of 2015. Franlis is an honor roll student with a major in film.
Camille Suarez- Camille came to the US from the Dominican Republic in September of 2015 without any English Skills. Camille entered the Providence school system for the 2015-2016 school year. She struggled socially due to being bullied for her Dominican accent. Camille transferred to TAPA in the 2016-2017 school year. She began regular classes at TAPA. Camille has chosen music as her performing arts major and ended the 2017-2018 year as the lead in the school’s musical production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream.
Manuel Mejia- Manuel came to the US from the Dominican Republic in 2012. Manuel entered the Providence school system for two years. Manuel was struggling with reading skills and comprehension. Both his receptive and expressive domains were not showing much growth in proficiency. He began regular classes at TAPA with ESL support using the Collaborative Model in 2014. Manuel has thrived as a budding artist at TAPA. He recently performed a sax solo at the RI ELL Gallery Walk.
Esdrizabeth Pereyra Cuello- Esdizabeth came to the US from the Dominican Republic in September of 2017. She began regular classes at TAPA with ESL support using the collaborative model. She has shown phenomenal progress in one school year at TAPA.
Sany Ramirez- Sany came to the US from the Dominican Republic in 2012. Sany entered the Providence school system for one year and struggled with behavioral issues that impeded his academic growth. Sany was also struggling with his literacy skills - reading and writing. He began regular classes at TAPA with ESL support using the Collaborative Model in 2013. Sany credits TAPA’s music program for his amazing growth in literacy skills. He feels the structure and ensemble atmosphere of the school reversed his behavioral issues.
Franlis Martinez- Franlis came to the US from the Dominican Republic in February of 2015 without any English skills. Franlis entered the Providence school system for one semester. He struggled and floundered socially and academically before transferring to TAPA. He began regular classes at TAPA September of 2015. Franlis is an honor roll student with a major in film.
Camille Suarez- Camille came to the US from the Dominican Republic in September of 2015 without any English Skills. Camille entered the Providence school system for the 2015-2016 school year. She struggled socially due to being bullied for her Dominican accent. Camille transferred to TAPA in the 2016-2017 school year. She began regular classes at TAPA. Camille has chosen music as her performing arts major and ended the 2017-2018 year as the lead in the school’s musical production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream.
Manuel Mejia- Manuel came to the US from the Dominican Republic in 2012. Manuel entered the Providence school system for two years. Manuel was struggling with reading skills and comprehension. Both his receptive and expressive domains were not showing much growth in proficiency. He began regular classes at TAPA with ESL support using the Collaborative Model in 2014. Manuel has thrived as a budding artist at TAPA. He recently performed a sax solo at the RI ELL Gallery Walk.
WWII Vet, Sidney Walton, Visits
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TAPA VOICES, DRUMMERS & DANCERS LEAD THE #ENOUGHRI STUDENT PROTEST 3/14/18
Every member of our Ensemble stood up in their own ways to demand safety in our schools. Whether escorting students safely to-and-from the protests (which was done by staff and by Board Members), or sign making, or leading the dance pit on the snowy Statehouse steps, or maintaining a positive space for learning back at TAPA, this could not have happened without our incredible staff and students, and the support of our Admin, Board, and communities locally and nationally.
We are grateful for the press coverage drawing attention to this important event. Check out the TAPA Stars at:
The Washington Post (we're in the video at the 40 second mark)
UpriseRI
TurnTo10
The Projo
Local Photographer Ryan Conty
This video, by TAPA Resident Artist Nick Marcoux, about our silent morning walkout - 17 Minutes for 17 Lives - will bring tears to your eyes.
We are grateful for the press coverage drawing attention to this important event. Check out the TAPA Stars at:
The Washington Post (we're in the video at the 40 second mark)
UpriseRI
TurnTo10
The Projo
Local Photographer Ryan Conty
This video, by TAPA Resident Artist Nick Marcoux, about our silent morning walkout - 17 Minutes for 17 Lives - will bring tears to your eyes.
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TAPA Theater Major featured in Providence Monthly
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Providence's Young Bard
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Community Notification: New Urban Arts is applying for 21st Century Community Learning Center FundsNew Urban Arts is submitting an application for a 21st Century Community Learning Center program in partnership with Central High School, Classical High School and Trinity Academy for the Performing Arts.
Founded in 1997, New Urban Arts is a nationally-recognized community art studio for high school students located at 705 Westminster Street in Providence, RI. Our mission is to build a vital community that empowers young people as artists and leaders to develop a creative practice they can sustain throughout their lives. Our free programs include after school programming from October through May and a five week summer program. This application will be available for public view on April 24th on this website. This announcement is also being posted publicly at Central High School, Classical High School, and Trinity Academy for the Performing Arts. |
THEATER MAJOR TO NATIONAL SHAKESPEARE COMPETITION
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TAPA STUDENTS MAKING STRIDES IN THE CITY!
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TAPA STUDENTS VISIT PPAC
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TAPA RELOCATES TO DOWNCITY PROVIDENCE!
While its students were home and enjoying the holidays, TAPA: Trinity Academy for the Performing Arts, a premier public charter school, found itself suddenly homeless. TAPA’s former school building, built in the 1890’s and located in the West End, sustained significant structural damage in late December and was declared unsafe for habitation. In spite of around-the-clock construction and repair work, it became clear in early January that repairs would not be completed in time for the school year to resume. TAPA Administration was notified of the dire construction situation two days before students were scheduled to return from the holiday break.
With less than one week to locate and secure a new location, with little hope but, determination and persistence, Nanci DeRobbio, TAPA’s Head of School, reached out to the City Administration and to the Diocese for availability of school sites. Unfortunately, available sites were in disrepair and not ready for immediate access. The TAPA team and Board of Trustees then looked to Paolino Properties and former Mayor of Providence, Joseph Paolino, Jr., a long-time supporter of the arts and public education. The Paolino team sprung into action to help find a home to educate 204 students in grades 7-12 for the remainder of the year. As a result of this help, TAPA will open its doors on Monday, January 9th at 150 Washington St., Providence, RI 02903. Students will have only missed three days of school. In the performing arts “the show must go on.”
The move to 150 Washington Street “sets the stage” for TAPA in Down City Providence, being within walking distance of some of the state’s finest colleges and arts institutions. TAPA looks forward to finding its pulse in the beating heart of The Creative Capital.
Trinity Academy for the Performing Arts 150 Washington Street, Providence RI Phone: 401.432.7881 Fax: 401.432.7882
While its students were home and enjoying the holidays, TAPA: Trinity Academy for the Performing Arts, a premier public charter school, found itself suddenly homeless. TAPA’s former school building, built in the 1890’s and located in the West End, sustained significant structural damage in late December and was declared unsafe for habitation. In spite of around-the-clock construction and repair work, it became clear in early January that repairs would not be completed in time for the school year to resume. TAPA Administration was notified of the dire construction situation two days before students were scheduled to return from the holiday break.
With less than one week to locate and secure a new location, with little hope but, determination and persistence, Nanci DeRobbio, TAPA’s Head of School, reached out to the City Administration and to the Diocese for availability of school sites. Unfortunately, available sites were in disrepair and not ready for immediate access. The TAPA team and Board of Trustees then looked to Paolino Properties and former Mayor of Providence, Joseph Paolino, Jr., a long-time supporter of the arts and public education. The Paolino team sprung into action to help find a home to educate 204 students in grades 7-12 for the remainder of the year. As a result of this help, TAPA will open its doors on Monday, January 9th at 150 Washington St., Providence, RI 02903. Students will have only missed three days of school. In the performing arts “the show must go on.”
The move to 150 Washington Street “sets the stage” for TAPA in Down City Providence, being within walking distance of some of the state’s finest colleges and arts institutions. TAPA looks forward to finding its pulse in the beating heart of The Creative Capital.
Trinity Academy for the Performing Arts 150 Washington Street, Providence RI Phone: 401.432.7881 Fax: 401.432.7882
**ATTENTION TAPA FAMILIES**
SCHOOL CANCELLATION: JANUARY 4, 5 & 6
The TAPA building is undergoing necessary repairs. Classes for all students have been cancelled during these repairs. Families will receive daily updates starting 1/3/17.
The TAPA building is undergoing necessary repairs. Classes for all students have been cancelled during these repairs. Families will receive daily updates starting 1/3/17.
THE TAPA DANCE DEPARTMENT PRESENTS
"THE NOTcracker"
On December 15th & 16th at 7:00pm, 9 - 12 grade Dance Majors are putting on "The NOTcracker" - an original contemporary adaptation of Tchaikovsky's original score re-conceptualized, re-written, and re-choreographed by students! It will be culturally relevant and take place in the year 3000. Both performances will take place at the Providence Public Library Auditorium, 150 Empire Street, 3rd floor. Tickets are "pay what you can".
Come support FIERCE YOUNG ARTISTS OF COLOR!
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THE TAPA THEATER DEPARTMENT PRESENTS
"THE ODD COUPLE"
On December 8th, 9th & 10th, TAPA will be presenting The Odd Couple - Female Version at 7:00pm. This hilarious comedy about two roommates who could not be more different stars Aidan Robinson, Idallis Taylor, Ruth Gardinet, Ana Martinez Vargas, Kayla Ribeiro, Amanda Cardenas, Jeremiah Matos & Jordan Corporan. Tickets are $5 in advance or $10 at the door. There is limited seating, so we recommend you buy your tickets online in advance. Come on out to laugh and have a great time!
For tickets, visit: http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/2721536
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TAPA NEEDS YOUR SUPPORT!!!
TAPA has asked RIDE for a charter expansion, an opportunity to grow the Ensemble and reach even more Providence students. Please read below how the expansion can benefit our school and how you can help support TAPA during this process. Hearings will be held in October and November. We hope you will attend one of these hearings and speak about how awesome TAPA is!
WHY ASK FOR AN EXPANSION?
If we are granted this expansion, we get to bring on more staff, serve more kids, bring our dream of a new building closer to reality, and launch a visual arts program. It would be a truly wonderful new chapter in TAPA's history, while still maintaining small class sizes, a tight-knit community, and all the other awesome things that make TAPA, TAPA. The details can be found here. You may also contact Assistant Head of School & Dean of School Culture, Elizabeth Richards-Hegnauer with questions, ms.richards-hegnauer@tapaprovidence.org.
HEARING INFORMATION FROM RIDE:
As per Rhode Island General Law §16-77.3-3(b), the Rhode Island Department of Education would like to invite all interested parties to participate in public hearings and submit written comments concerning the Requests for New Charter Applications and Requests for Expansions. Public comment period for Requests for New Charter Applications and Requests for Expansions is in place from September 30, 2016 - December 1, 2016, with the exception of Wangari Maathai Community School, for which the public comment period will end on December 9th, 2016.
The hearing locations are accessible to the disabled. Translation and interpreter services for the hearing impaired will be provided if requested one week prior to the hearing. Requests for this service can be made in emailing RICharters@ride.ri.gov or by calling RI Relay or RIDE at 401-222-8255. Written comments may be submitted to RICharters@ride.ri.gov at the RI Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, 255 Westminster Street, Providence, RI 02903, or by faxing 401-222-3465.
SCHEDULE OF PUBLIC HEARINGS:
Monday, October 17, 2016:
Providence Public Library Ship Room, 150 Empire Street, Providence, RI 02903
Trinity Academy for the Performing Arts: 6:30 PM - 7:30 PM
Wednesday, November 2, 2016:
Providence Public Library Auditorium, 150 Empire Street, Providence, RI 02903
Trinity Academy for the Performing Arts: 6:30 PM - 7:30 PM
TAPA STAFF WILL BE AT BOTH HEARINGS. WE WOULD BE SO APPRECIATIVE IF YOU'D PLAN ON COMING TO ONE OR THE OTHER!
UPCOMING AUDITIONS
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SCHOOL SUPPLIES STARTER PACK FOR SALE
Final grades for all students have been posted!
¡Las notas finales han sido publicadas!
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Take a look at your child's end of year report card by visiting the Skyward Family Access Portal:
https://www2.saas.wa-k12.net/scripts/cgiip.exe/WService=wtrinits71/fwemnu01.w Contact the main office if you have any questions or need account log in information, 432-7881, 9 - 2pm, Monday - Thursday. |
Revise el reporte de calificaciones de fin de año de su hijo visitando el Portal de Padres de Skyward:
https://www2.saas.wa-k12.net/scripts/cgiip.exe/WService=wtrinits71/fwemnu01.w Puede llamar a la oficina si tiene alguna pregunta o necesita informacion de acceso, 432-7881, Lunes a Jueves de 9 - 2pm. |
CONGRATULATIONS CLASS OF 2016!
The class of 2016 is TAPA's first graduating class. Students culminate their journey at TAPA graduating as Majors in the Art of Dance, Film, Music & Theater.
On Monday, June 20th, 2016, 23 seniors took the stage to receive their diplomas from TAPA at Brown University's Granoff Center for the Creative Arts. TAPA graduates were accepted to an array of colleges and universities including:
Providence College
Berklee College of Music
Mt. Holyoke College
Emerson College
Wheaton College
Assumption College
Wheelock College
Bryant University
Massachusetts College of Art
Eastern Connecticut College
University of Massachusetts Lowell - Sound Recording Technology Program
University of Rhode Island Honors Program
University of Rhode Island Talent Development
Rhode Island College
Wentworth Institute of Technology
Washington and Jefferson College
DeSales University
Mitchell College
College of St. Rose
Lyndon State College (Film Program)
Allegheny College
Johnson and Wales University
Franklin Pierce University
TAPA Seniors received over $250,000 in merit scholarships from the schools above.
Providence College
Berklee College of Music
Mt. Holyoke College
Emerson College
Wheaton College
Assumption College
Wheelock College
Bryant University
Massachusetts College of Art
Eastern Connecticut College
University of Massachusetts Lowell - Sound Recording Technology Program
University of Rhode Island Honors Program
University of Rhode Island Talent Development
Rhode Island College
Wentworth Institute of Technology
Washington and Jefferson College
DeSales University
Mitchell College
College of St. Rose
Lyndon State College (Film Program)
Allegheny College
Johnson and Wales University
Franklin Pierce University
TAPA Seniors received over $250,000 in merit scholarships from the schools above.
TAPA STARS @PVD FEST 2016
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GALLERY NIGHT RECEPTION & PRESENTATION THURSDAY, MAY 19th, 5 - 9pm 
Senior Music Major & Talented Visual Artist, Jessica Michicoj, has two pieces of artwork on display at the PS 2016 Exhibit
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TAPA Student Featured in RI Monthly!
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10th grader Steven Rosario and Theater Teacher,
Daniel Lee White |
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Previous TAPA Events and News: |
2nd Annual Holiday Sharing Event
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TAPA Celebrates Student Achievement in the Arts!
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PROVIDENCE, R.I. — They've long played before audiences in and outside Providence, but on Sunday a group of veteran rhythm and blues musicians were thrilled to share a small stage with a handful of local school kids.
That's because the students from Trinity Academy for the Performing Arts got their chance to learn how to play keyboards, drums and guitar thanks in part to these veteran musicians, members of the Rhode Island Rhythm & Blues Preservation Society. As vice president Max Whiting explained when he stepped up to the microphone, the society donated instruments to the charter school to bolster its music program. "Right now you are going to listen to the fruits of our labor," said Whiting, in introducing the students. The student band, with four musicians and two vocalists, quickly launched into Sam & Dave's 1969 hit "Hold On." "C'mon everybody! Let's help them out," said Whiting, urging the audience of about 50 to clap their hands. "All right! All right! All right!" When the students, after alternating their band lineup, finished up a playlist that included Stevie Wonder's "Superstitious" and The Temptations "Ain't too Proud to Beg," performer Jessica Michicoj sat down with a smile. "We wouldn't be able to do anything without the instruments," Jessica, a senior at Trinity, said after playing donated drums on several of the numbers. "I think it's awesome." The nearly decade-old preservation society has long been running its "Instruments for Children Program," which seeks donations of guitars, violins, drums and more and then offers them to school music programs that typically struggle due to budget cuts. But Sunday was the first time that the students who got to learn and practice on these instruments had the opportunity to perform for — and share the stage with — veteran musicians from the society. "It's a very good program. I love to see what happens to these instruments," said veteran blues drummer Randall Ashe. After the students played, Ashe took the stage with a quartet that included Whiting, Bob Greene and Paul Doucette. Whiting's wife, Sylvia, who is secretary/treasurer for the society, said many school music programs were decimated during the Great Recession, to the point that they didn't even seek instruments. But several of them, including Woonsocket, are now trying to revitalize their programs and seeking instruments again. "Some of these kids can't even afford to rent an instrument for a month," said Tom Colantonio, who runs the program for the society. He encouraged people to donate instruments "rather than just throw them out or bring them to a yard sale." Alex Santiago, a Trinity senior who played lead guitar on The Temptations number, said he was fortunate to own his own guitar, which he used at the concert. But he and other students at Trinity use the donated instruments at the school all the time. "Without all of these donations, we wouldn't be making all of this amazing music," Santiago said. Avi David, Trinity's musician-in-residence, took the microphone between songs performed by his students to thank the society for the donations. Speaking of his students, he said, "We are so proud of how far they've come." To learn more about the society and how to donate instruments, go to www.bluespreservationsociety.org rsalit@providencejournal.com, (401) 277-7467 |
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TAPA Featured on Turn to 10 News:
"Viola Davis' Emmy Acceptance Speech Strikes Chord With RI Students"
PROVIDENCE - At the Trinity Academy for the Performing Arts in Providence, every child is working to
become a star.
On Sunday night, the future stars saw themselves on stage when a woman from Central Falls became the
first female of color to win best actress in a drama.
"The only thing that separates women of color from anyone else is opportunity,” Viola Davis said in her
acceptance speech.
“The one thing that I took out of her speech was opportunity is not given to everybody, but for the ones who
take it - and they take advantage of it - are the ones that succeed and go further in life,” TAPA senior Shaydee
Saythideth said.
"Honestly, I think it's inspiring that people from your neighborhood can prosper and rise to that level,” TAPA senior Preston Powell said.
Others agreed.
"Now, we can say that somebody made it,” TAPA sophomore Steven Rosario said. “It sets the bar high, but think what we can accomplish."
The name Richard Jenkins isn't as well known, but students know his face. He won his first Emmy after years of working hard in Hollywood and at the Ocean State's Trinity Repertory Company. Jenkins, along with Davis, got their start at Trinity Rep. Jenkins even served as their artistic director. "To some degree, it’s like just keep working. Success might not happen right away,” said Tyler Dobrowsky of Trinity Rep.
The children might even get a chance to meet Jenkins when he helps direct “Oklahoma” in the spring.
“He came from Rhode Island, so I want to know how he did it so I can possibly follow that path too,” TAPA sophomore Idallis Taylor said.
Davis and Jenkins reminded them that anything can happen and even the smallest state has the ability to shine bright.
become a star.
On Sunday night, the future stars saw themselves on stage when a woman from Central Falls became the
first female of color to win best actress in a drama.
"The only thing that separates women of color from anyone else is opportunity,” Viola Davis said in her
acceptance speech.
“The one thing that I took out of her speech was opportunity is not given to everybody, but for the ones who
take it - and they take advantage of it - are the ones that succeed and go further in life,” TAPA senior Shaydee
Saythideth said.
"Honestly, I think it's inspiring that people from your neighborhood can prosper and rise to that level,” TAPA senior Preston Powell said.
Others agreed.
"Now, we can say that somebody made it,” TAPA sophomore Steven Rosario said. “It sets the bar high, but think what we can accomplish."
The name Richard Jenkins isn't as well known, but students know his face. He won his first Emmy after years of working hard in Hollywood and at the Ocean State's Trinity Repertory Company. Jenkins, along with Davis, got their start at Trinity Rep. Jenkins even served as their artistic director. "To some degree, it’s like just keep working. Success might not happen right away,” said Tyler Dobrowsky of Trinity Rep.
The children might even get a chance to meet Jenkins when he helps direct “Oklahoma” in the spring.
“He came from Rhode Island, so I want to know how he did it so I can possibly follow that path too,” TAPA sophomore Idallis Taylor said.
Davis and Jenkins reminded them that anything can happen and even the smallest state has the ability to shine bright.
TAPA Film Majors Accepted to the Vassar College Film Festival and the 401 Film Festival!
Senior Film Majors, Preston Powell & Abe Vargas, have done it again! The dynamic duo had their recent work featured in the RI College Film Festival sponsored by the Ocean State Film Society. The film has also been added to the Vassar College FilmFest line up in October and will open the RI 401 FilmFest on November 13th at the The Artic Playhouse in Warwick! The documentary "Strangers", brainchild of Preston Powell, features its creator conducting "man on the street" interviews in the heart of Providence. TAPA celebrates this achievement and congratulates Film Artist in Residence, Nick Marcoux and his majors, for shining like true TAPA Stars!
Visit the TAPA Stars YouTube Channel for the latest from the Film Department.
Visit the TAPA Stars YouTube Channel for the latest from the Film Department.
MARS Camp, the program that launched summer of
2015 designed with TAPA Music Majors in mind, is making headlines. Students and staff were interviewed by Providence Monthly earlier this month and will be featured in their next issue. Student songwriters will also head to WBRU at the end of October to showcase original work and share their experience with the program. Kudos to the students, Mr. Dodd, and Ms. Azriel. |
TAPA student talent showcased on Public Access
television! Senior Music Major, Angela Cooper, shared her musical and poetical talents on the The Rebecca Flores Show. The talented young musician was interviewed by Ms. Flores, international award winning artist, author, poet and TAPA Board Member, in early September. Ms. Cooper candidly spoke about her experience as a TAPA student and how attending a performing arts school changed her life! The interviewed aired on Cox Channel 13 on 9/14. |
"FirstWorks exposed me to real music" said Music Major, Jaymi Cepeda, at a recent FirstWorks Board meeting. The
talented senior spoke eloquently before the Board on behalf of FirstWorks. She moved many to tears with her candid
take on how the FirstWorks - TAPA partnership has shaped her as a musician. Way to go Jaymi!
