“The Seussical”

Last week was an outstanding performance by the students of Rogers Park
Middle School. They did the musical “Seussical” based on the works of Dr. Seuss.

I was impressed with the dedication and commitment from the teachers, administrators, assistant principal, and principal. It was incredible to see the principal and the assistant principal being part of the cast too. They interacted well with the kids, giving coaching, and advice in a great, and safe environment. The parents’ collaboration was extraordinary. It was a real partnership.

I was amazed with theawesome preparation of the play with the leadership of Mrs. Amanda DosSantos–Director and Producer. She brings the best out of her students. The performance of Horton, Gertrude, the Cat in the Hat, Mayzie, the kangaroos, monkeys, mayors, who’s, and jungle creatures were extraordinary. The crew wasvery well organized and the 8th grade student director did a
fantastic job. I would like to say thanks also to all the people that work in
this extraordinary play. The choreography was done by one of the Guidance
counselors, Ms. Dana Perez, and two students. Ms. Ali Michalek worked on a
large portion of the staging/blocking of the musical. Both Ms. Perez and Ms.
Michalek worked as Stage Managers. The custodians and officers also did a great
job providing a safe and clean environment.

Ms. Susan Christine was the Costume Organizer, and Ms. Cheryl Ernst worked
alongside Ms. Christine on costumes and also edited and formatted all cast bios
and headshots. Both of their school nurses, Ms. Rosanne Kiley and Ms. Zulma
Colon, along with Ms. Christine and the secretary to the Principal, Mrs.
Joaquim, sewed their adorable costumes.

Like Mrs DosSantos said, “It truly took a village to put this together! And I
wanted to recognize my co-workers for their hard work, too!”

In other words, the students at Rogers Park did not only learn about how to perform in a show, but they also learned about team work. All of the participants took great pride in their school and their teachers. They were able to reach their own potential and understand that anything is possible. They were engaged in the whole process. What I saw was a group of kids, proud of their school, and determined to excel. I also saw my son, happier than ever, confident, willing to take risks, and anxious to go to school and learn. They will definitely have great
memories that will last forever.

I am not a critical expert in plays. I am just a parent that can see what these students accomplished. I saw a community creating an effective school for our children. I saw the magnitude of the students’ achievement, not only intellectual, but also life skills and tools that are going to help them forever. I saw Mrs. Joaquin, the Principal, and her wonderful team, committed to the education of our children at all levels. I see change of a paradigm, hope, and love for learning. The
idea of a perfect school is not a Utopia anymore. It is real at Rogers Park
Middle School.