Cultural Arts Programs
The Arts at McDougle Elementary School
MES has demonstrated its strong commitment to the arts since the school opened in 1996. The MES arts curriculum is based on the Common Core and NC Essential Standards, and the MES arts faculty - including art teacher Alice Zincone and music teacher Emma Lincoln - plan and implement an academically engaging and enriching arts curriculum for the entire student body.
The MES PTA sponsors supplemental arts programming to enhance and complement the school’s arts curriculum. Thanks to the Dolphin community's generosity along with grant funding from the Orange County Arts Commission and the North Carolina Arts Council, the MES PTA Cultural Arts Program includes:
5th grade poetry residency with local poet Phillip Shabazz - a recurring and long-time favorite program for our 5th graders. Read on below for sample poems from our Dolphins!
4th grade face jug program with local artist Jason Abide - another Dolphin favorite! Scroll to see photos of our students' work.
School assemblies featuring the Number Drummer, Curious Theater Collective, and more
These programs are supported by the North Carolina Arts Council, a division of the Department of Natural and Cultural Resources. We are grateful for many years of OCAC grant funding support, which has enabled the PTA to consistently offer supplemental arts instruction to MES students. For questions and opportunities regarding the cultural arts at MES, please reach out to PTA Co-Presidents Karin Crozier & Leah Milks.
2024 Flamenco Assembly with Flamenco Vivo Carlota Santana
2024 Number Drummer Assembly
2024 Curious Theater Collective Assembly - Sally Ride
May 2024 5th Grade Poetry Residency
We were thrilled to welcome the poet Phillip Shabazz back to MES for another year of amazing work with our 5th graders, inspiring them to write creatively and encouraging them to be empowered by their own words and expression! Mr. Shabazz is one of the most loved and appreciated artists-in-residence who has been instructing our 5th grade Dolphins for many years now. This empowering residency combines performing arts, theatre, history, and character education. Welcome back, Mr. Shabazz!
War
by Cal L.
Isolation
nowhere to run,
nowhere to hide.
Fear
you can't escape it no matter what you do
fighting is how we settle arguments no one cares to talk about, just resulting in fighting cruel mean nasty scared misery sad awful all describe war
yet it still is the first thing we do.
our number one is War
always scared always looking for a fight no matter how big no matter how small over some money some land it still goes on and on
If this all could just stop there will be no need for fear not sadness no despair no wondering where the next war gonna be is at my house be prepared. sound the alarm. even though we know it's not even there.
we can't catch a break worry always there
but it's all about money cruel sad dangerous brutal horrible horrific topic
even if we don't like it it's just gotta be this way the world relies on money yet it still rips us piece by piece
all this stuff just gets in our head like zombies we attack the innocent destroy the world, infected
fighting for our life
it spreads all around the world
and when we fight back it just gets worse and worse
It's gotta be this way
solutions pop up but are never taken but just wait they say just wait. If we keep on waiting it is going to the end of it all.
In the Magic City
by Amarii B.
In the magic city it's always bright
No matter if it's day or night.
The people in the magic city are as small as dust
But going there is still a must.
And the city is in the trees
Staying hidden among the leaves.
But just because the city is small
It doesn't mean you can't see it at all.
In my opinion it's where you should be
Because it has the nicest ocean or sea.
It's like you're a tree and the city is your roots
It's like you're meant to be
But sadly you can't because it's too small
and it's in a chunk of wood that is too tall.
THE HALLS
by Noelle M.
The halls the hall always had something going on maybe including me i always felt a rush happiness, Sadness, Madness But there was always someone that asked how am i or if i had a frown ask if i was okay the school events that was posted on the walls the smiles and hugs people laughing oh it was hard to be quiet in those lines to specials the school was always filled with happiness Mrs. Jones taking pictures the dance everyone loud and happy dancing loud and proud the way my teacher made me laugh and smile always smiles,laughter,hugs and pictures the halls a happy place of the 5th grade we`ll miss you 5th grade i promise
Things I like
by Atticus O.
Some things I like are in the the sun such as:
I like swimming jumping into the water that cool water rushing over my head.
I like playing video games on a rain day like Mario kart or mortal kombat.
I like swimming at night the moon reflecting off the water.
I like snowboarding and playing in the snow and snowball fights.
These are the the things I like and you might like them to
2023 Face Jug Project - 4th Grade
May 2023 5th Grade Poetry Residency with Mr. Shabazz
Red
by Andrew P.
Some days I'm firecraking red
full of energy and smart remarks
like a wild bull
ready to attack the world
other days im faded gray
rumpled and crumpled
careless and useless
soggy and sleepy
and all worn out
but watch out folks
cause im red today
I am a girl
by Ola Mae N-J
I am a girl and people shame me on that .
I am a girl and people blame me on that.
I am a girl but do I want to be?
people make me feel blue.
skirts, short tops, yellow, purple, and pink shoes,
I go to the mall and try coming out,
but no one notices how I feel like goo.
sweats, hoodies jackets to,
I guess I am cool and don't have to be new.
Light
by Josie M.
Light
Different light and
it just might
make you feel like a kite
sunlight is warm familiar and natural
moon light,crisp cool night mirrors sunlight
warm light, with its orange tinge
reminds me of a theater before the binge
Blue light, makes things unseen reveal itself
in the most extraordinary way
little light, makes me want to lay
cool light, makes me concentrate and feel fresh
almost like i'm looking through mesh
then the light of love makes me feel so grateful
I almost can't explain
the light light of pain makes me feel ashame
then I only want to feel reassured
and it feels like its reaching into my heart
the light of ill makes me cough
and the taste of tart medicine seeping down my throat
the light of calm is like drifting in a small boat
and keeping it all to myself
Light, light shine oh so bright
The Winner
by Liam K.
As I dribble down the court so fast,
The basketball speed is an awesome blast.
I drive for the hoop, I swish and swoosh,
A buzzer beater! I give a victorious hoot.
I take my aim and shoot from the line.
For an easy two points and a victory sign.
Free throws I make; more points I gain,
The crowd erupts with joy and cheer.
Streaking passedm my legs a blur,
People cheer while they watch and observe.
Diving down low I spin through the air,
To score a win and excite the whole square.
Basketball offers me a symphony of sound,
And the feeling of success that's won all around.
With a slam of the ball and a cheer in the stands,
My spped and finesse always in command.
2022 Face Jug Project - 4th Grade
2022 Face Jug Project - 5th Grade
2021 5th Grade Poetry Residency with Mr. Shabazz

I will remember...
By Ayla J.
I will remember Rosa Parks every time I take a seat
I’ll think of Martin Luther King jr. every time people hear me speak
I’ll think of Hillary Clinton every time I’m overheard
And I’ll remember Mahatma Gandhi every time my future seems blurred I will remember Nelson Mandela when I push forward
I will remember Kamila Harris when my society's future is altered
I’ll remember Barack Obama when I feel our scars start to heal
And I will think of Abraham Lincoln when I have to deal with a crazy ordeal I’ll remember Albert Einstein when I make a new discovery
And I will remember Harriet Tubman when I help others with their journey I’ll think of Helen Keller when I feel things with the heart
And I will remember Isaac Newton when I figure out something quite smart I’ll think of Frederick Douglass when I stand up for what’s right
And I’ll think of Amelia Earhart when I lift into flight
I will remember Buddha when I feel at peace
And I’ll remember Malala Yousafzai when I feel like I’m finally starting to make a crease I’ll remember Anne Frank when I feel like I have to hide
And I will think of this world because here my opportunities are wide
Hope
By Dimitri K.
Hope is like a new day
And a fresh new spray.
Hope is like a light
And a won fight.
Hope is like a friendly ghost
And a broken post.
Hope is like a bubble
And not being in trouble.
Hope is like a perfect pitch
And a shallow ditch.
Hope is like perfection
And a man to give directions.
Hope is like an awesome rap
And a treasure map.
Hope is like an amazing dance
And a winning chance.