Newsies, Jr.!!! In February, for the very first time, Middle School students will perform Disney's Newsies Jr. The musical is inspired by the real-life Newsboy Strike of 1899, when newsboy Kid Blink led a band of orphan and runaway newsies on a two-week-long action against Pulitzer, Hearst, and other powerful New York newspaper publishers. Once again this year, we are fortunate to welcome back Geoff Rice as Musical Director. After announcing the play during Tuesday's Middle School Arts period, Moreh Geoff and General Music Teacher, Jonathon Wenzel, who will lead the music component, wasted no time in rehearsal, as students engaged in theatrical icebreakers and started learning one of the play's songs.

The musical is a highlight of the student experience at CJDS. Each student plays a part, whether it's on the stage or behind the scenes. One consistent pattern each year is that by collaborating and socializing in new ways across different grades, confidence increases, bonds strengthen, and students develop skills they might not have gained otherwise.

Mark your calendars for February 11th and 12th, when our newsies take to the stage and transport us back to a pivotal chapter in American history!