ADRIAN – In an effort to fill its new position as fine arts coordinator, Adrian Public Schools found that they have two internal candidates who could provide guidance for the district’s fine arts programs.
Adrian’s school board will be asked to approve Michelle Force as fine arts coordinator and Emily Gifford to run the Julianne and George Argyros Performing Arts Center, as well as an alternate teacher in the district, Superintendent Nate Park said in a press release.
Creating a fine arts coordinator position was part of the district’s PlayBill strategic plan for its fine arts programs. The plan was that that person would run the district center for the performing arts, lead the fine arts curriculum and education in the district, and support teachers in professional development to maintain the cohesion of the K-12 arts program, he says. the press release.
Through an interview process, it became clear that Force and Gifford would provide Adrian with the leadership needed to carry out and execute the strategic plan, the statement said.
Force is currently employed as a singing teacher at Springbrook Middle School. She will take on the role of fine arts coordinator, the statement said, while still teaching a partial day in middle school.
Gifford has been involved in Adrian’s fine arts department for several years. He has directed, coordinated and designed many plays and musicals of the Adrian Public Schools, as well as directing the theater.
Jenny Engle, director of the Adrian Schools Education Foundation and interview committee member, said she was thrilled now that the district has held the positions of fine arts coordinator and theater director.
“Michelle and Emily, along with Annie Howard continuing in her current arts support role, bring strengths and experiences that will complement each other and engage students across the district,” he said in the release. “I believe that all will be instrumental to the implementation of the initiatives identified during the strategic planning. Fine arts have been a focal point for the Adrian Schools Educational Foundation throughout our 35-year history. Having effective leadership in these positions will ensure continued growth and opportunities for all students ”.
Force has been a teacher at Adrian Public Schools since January 2017. He has a bachelor’s degree in music education. He directed the Springbrook Middle School musical for the 2021-22 school year. He also played an active role in the staff, development and design of the middle school musical. Force has extensive experience and knowledge of Michigan state standards for arts education, the release said.
“It is an honor to work for a district that supports fine arts as a top priority and to be part of a team of colleagues committed to fulfilling the mission of ‘Arts for All’ at Adrian Public Schools,” Force said in the statement. “I look forward to improving our K-12 fine arts programs throughout the year and promoting inclusive opportunities for students both at school and within the community.”
Gifford has a degree in theatrical and vocal communication from Siena Heights University.
“Our fine arts programs have tremendous momentum right now,” Gifford said in the statement. “Through more inclusive, accessible and collaborative opportunities, our students will be able to experience unprecedented experiences through our Arts for All initiatives. This position will enable us to launch after-school and summer programs.
Force is married to Adrian’s pupil Chuck Force and is the mother of two of Adrian’s graduates. Gifford, a pupil of Adrian, lives and resides in Adrian and has two children who attend Adrian’s public schools.
Earlier this month, the district added a strength and conditioning coordinator to support its student-athletes and also added positions for mental health professionals in each of its buildings.
“Like the recent hires of mental health professionals and the strength and conditioning coordinator, these positions are about student engagement,” Parker said. “Our teachers have never worked harder or smarter to engage students. Frankly, the work they do every day to motivate and inspire students is heroic. The bottom line is that we still have too many students out of school. It is our job to face this challenge head on. We will follow the research and data showing that students involved in the arts and athletics are more successful academically and in their post-secondary activities. “
