The Cherokee County School District’s new Cherokee Academies are showcasing their efforts and student accomplishment at fall expos and Hasty Elementary School Fine Arts Academy in Canton was the latest last week to entertain an audience of parents, friends, staff and local leaders celebrating the theme “Artists & Authors.”

The expos are open to students and their families, as well as anyone from the community who wants to learn more about the Cherokee Academies initiative.

The final Fall Expo is at Canton Elementary School Science, Engineering, Technology and Mathematics Academy at 6 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 8.

Hasty Elementary Fine Arts Academy Principal Izell McGruder and his staff began the evening’s activities with a presentation by students that incorporated dance, drama and music.

After the performances, students and parents traveled around the school, which has been decorated with new arts-inspired murals, to participate in integrated arts lessons in each grade level.

School Board Member Robert Wofford, other academy principals and district-level CCSD staff were in attendance.

Darby Jones of ArtsNow, the professional arts education organization that the School District is partnering with to provide integrated arts curriculum and professional development for the Fine Arts Academies, also spoke during the expo.

“The grade-level teachers hosting these classrooms were very energetic and engaging, and the students and parents all seemed grateful for the opportunity to see integrated arts in action,” said Michael Vernor, director for school operations. “Integrated arts student work was on display in every hall and in every classroom. It was obvious that the school’s staff and other stakeholders had worked very hard to coordinate this event during the first semester of the Academy’s implementation.”