Lexington Traditional Magnet School Transforms Arts Education

News Summary

Lexington Traditional Magnet School (LTMS) is undergoing a remarkable transformation under Principal Bryne Jacobs, enhancing arts education and academic performance. The school is prioritizing creative expression, with a new professional dance studio and a $50,000 investment in stage renovations. Enhanced teaching staff and the adoption of a block schedule for longer arts training classes are contributing to impressive growth in student performance. Additionally, a $15 million federal grant is set to expand magnet offerings, signifying a bright future for the school’s community and students.

Lexington’s Revamped School Takes Arts Education to New Heights

In the heart of Lexington, a remarkable transformation is underway at the Lexington Traditional Magnet School (LTMS), where creative expression and academic excellence are being prioritized under the fresh leadership of Principal Bryne Jacobs. Having made the shift from Lafayette High School, Jacobs brings a wealth of experience and a vibrant vision aimed at driving academic success and fostering a deep love for the arts.

From Suspensions to Dance

One of the most exciting developments at LTMS is the innovative reimagining of the former in-house suspension room, which has now been transformed into a state-of-the-art professional dance studio. The studio boasts mirrors and barres, providing students with the perfect environment to hone their skills and discover their passion for dance. This change reflects the school’s commitment to making the arts a central part of its identity.

Investment in Excellence

With a solid investment of $50,000 dedicated to renovating the stage, the school has also upgraded its lighting and sound systems, ensuring that performances shine bright. Alongside new instruments and a revamped curriculum, the focus is clear: creating a strong foundation in both academics and the arts.

A Fresh Start for Faculty

To enhance the quality of education, about 70% of the teaching staff has been revitalized, allowing for fresh educational perspectives to be injected into the school’s culture. This overhaul has already begun to pay off, as evidenced by the impressive growth in standardized test scores. The overall composite score soared from 28.6 to 48.6, with reading proficiency rising from 39.3 to 44.7 and math scores jumping from 28.2 to 36.9. For English language learners, there’s been a remarkable increase of 30 points!

Embracing New Schedules

In a strategic move to grant students more immersive experiences in the arts, LTMS has adopted a block schedule, allowing longer class periods for arts training. This decision has been warmly welcomed by parents and students alike, emphasizing the school’s dedication to providing well-rounded educational opportunities.

Connecting with the Community

The rich history of LTMS spans over a century as it has long served the East End community, originally established as Lexington Senior High School in the early 1900s. Principal Jacobs recognizes the importance of community input in shaping the school’s future and is actively seeking suggestions for a new name that better reflects the school’s evolving identity and its core values. The deadline for submissions is March 30, with exciting potential new names like East End Middle School and Lewis and Harriet Hayden Middle School currently in the mix.

Growing Optimism in the Air

Both teachers and community members are abuzz with optimism as they see their school shift towards a more inclusive atmosphere where arts education is at the forefront. With the rollout of the Visual and Performing Arts Pathways program, students now have the chance to explore various artistic disciplines, plus it fosters an environment that promotes a sense of belonging for all.

A Bright Future Ahead

In addition to all of these exciting changes, LTMS has received a significant boost with a recent $15 million federal grant from the Magnet School Assistance Program. This grant will not only support educational and arts programming but also expand magnet offerings across Fayette County Schools, paving the way for future pathways for students from elementary to middle school.

As these changes take root, the Lexington Traditional Magnet School stands ready to embrace a bright and vibrant future, championing the importance of community, creativity, and academic success. It’s an exciting time for Lexington, and the community is eager to see how this journey unfolds.

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Additional Resources

• Fox 56 News
• Wikipedia: Arts Education
• Kentucky.com Opinion
• Google Search: Education Arts Curriculum
• LEX18 News
• Google Scholar: Education Funding
• WKYT News
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Magnet School
• WTVQ News
• Google News: School Leadership