Chocachatti Third Graders Stage Go West, Spotlight on School Arts

On December 8 the Chocachatti Elementary cafeteria filled with family members and friends for the third grade performance of Go West. The production marked the first time the school staged this particular play, and organizers assembled costumes props painted backdrops and choreography in roughly two and a half months after the script was ordered in late August. Specials teachers classroom teachers students and parents worked together to put on a show that centered on western expansion and settling of new territories including the California gold rush the pioneers journeying in covered wagons and competition between railroads and earlier forms of transportation.

That short preparation window posed logistical hurdles. Costumes and props had to be purchased or created and many items were donated by parents. The reliance on donations and volunteer labor reflects strong community investment in the school but also draws attention to how scheduling and purchasing decisions affect program delivery. The experience of Specials staff and the familiarity of many students with stage work helped bridge the time constraint, as several students had appeared in school shows since first grade which contributed to confident speaking and dancing performances.

The production featured lively dances and a large number of speaking roles distributed across the class, creating a collaborative atmosphere that engaged students across disciplines. Students cited dance as a favorite element of the show and expressed interest in participating in future performances, indicating that early and continued exposure to arts programming can build both skill and enthusiasm.

For local residents the event is a reminder that school culture depends on both institutional support and civic engagement. The success of this evening exposed areas administrators and district leaders may wish to review, including procurement timing staffing for Specials subjects and budget allocations for arts supplies and costumes. Sustained attention to those areas can preserve the community benefits of school productions which include student confidence family involvement and public visibility of classroom learning.

Photos and comments from teachers and students accompanied the evening producing a record of the collaboration that made the performance possible and of the community turnout that supported it.