Students share what makes them shine

Posted on 12/12/2019

The Town Hall Theater on Main Street filled with families Nov. 21 for Plumas Charter School’s annual Fall Performance. Students from the school’s Quincy Learning Center took to the stage for an evening filled with song, dance, and stand-up comedy.

This year’s theme was “What Makes You Shine?” The walls of the theater lobby were covered with mini posters presenting students’ photos and quotes sharing their favorite qualities and activities.

PCS is a personalized learning school, meaning that teachers and administrators seek to help students define their goals and succeed as individuals. In introducing the performance, organizer and instructional aide Lindsey Kimzey expressed the importance PCS teachers and staff place on helping to guide students in discovering their strengths and dreams.

“That’s what tonight’s show is about,” she said. “Helping your children find what they feel good about and what makes them shine. We want you to know how special and unique all of your children are and we try to honor that every day at the charter school.”

After a chili dinner was served, raising funds for the sixth-graders’ upcoming multiday field trip, Executive Director Taletha Washburn opened the evening with a school update. She addressed families, sharing the latest on PCS’s facility project, test scores, and accreditation renewal. She reminded everyone that she has an open-door policy and welcomes their input.

“Be involved,” she said. “Your input into our programs is what drives our programs.”

The show began with songs by junior high and high school musicians on ukulele, mandolin, guitar, and bass. The students were joined on stage by music teacher and event co-organizer Greg Willis.

Next up were kindergartners, who sang and danced to Bobby McFerrin’s “Don’t Worry, Be Happy.” Their performance included sign language and a segment in which each child presented his or her own unique dance move.

After the youngest students found their families in the audience, first- and second-graders danced the Macarena to the R&B classic “Celebration,” followed by third-graders with an a cappella rendition of “You Gotta Be” by Des’ree. During transitions between acts, individual students and small groups took the mic to tell jokes.

Next up were fourth- and fifth-graders dressed in sports uniforms and dancing to “All Star” by Smash Mouth. Their choreography included baseball, basketball, and soccer moves. Another fourth- and fifth-grade group followed with a dance to “This Is Me” from the movie “The Greatest Showman.”

Sixth-graders took the stage next: three girls gathered around the mic to sing “Brave” by Sara Bareilles while their fellow students took turns in the spotlight presenting their favorite dance moves. Finally, an all-girl group sang Naomi Scott’s “Speechless.”

As the finale, all the students gathered on the stage for the soul standby “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough.”

Willis and Kimzey acknowledged the essential behind-the-scenes work of 10th-grader Emily Fullerton, who operated the sound board for the evening, and ninth-grader Marlin Zittrer, who staffed the lighting booth. Dance teacher Shealyn Schwartz created and led most of the evening’s choreography.

Scroll down to view a video of the performance (in two parts), see more photos, and find out what students say makes them shine. To learn more about Plumas Charter School, including current enrollment opportunities, call (530) 283-3851.

By Ingrid Burke, Public Relations Specialist
[email protected]

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In the photo: The strains of “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough” fill the Town Hall Theater during the finale to Plumas Charter School’s Fall Performance on Nov. 21. Students in kindergarten through 10th grade gathered on the stage for the final number, ending the show on an energetic note. Photo by Ingrid Burke