1. Williston Performing Arts High School
“The Greatest School Under the Sun”

2. When you hand good people possibility they do great things. Biz Stone

3. The Greatest School Under the Sun
1866 Williston Primary School Opened
1915 Williston Industrial School Opened
1931 Williston Industrial HS Opened
1935 Building Burned
1937 New Williston Constructed
1953 Williston Senior High Opened
1968 NHCS Board Voted to Close Williston
1971 Williston Ninth Grade Center Opened
1978 Renamed Williston Junior High School
1988 Renamed Williston Middle School
Williston High School was shuttered in 1968 despite being a high performing high school in the district.
Teachers and students were reassigned to New Hanover and Hoggard High School.
New Graduates 2021

4. Parent Survey Data

5. Performing Arts Schools In North Carolina
Northwest School of the Arts~ Charlotte
6-12
1000 students
SPG~B
RJ Reynolds ~Forsyth
9-12
1800 students
SPG~ B
Penn-Griffin School for the Arts~ Guilford
589 Students
SPG~C
School for Creative Studies ~ Durham
6-12
Year-round calendar
615 students
SPG~C
Durham School of the Arts
1,750 students SPG~B

6. Dance
Focus on learning classical and contemporary dance. Preparation will be centered on identifying and training students who are professionally oriented as well as those who have potential to dance but may choose not to study in a professional setting. Students will work with professionally credentialed instructors who mentor students to achieve their personal best. All aspects of dance such as, technique, performance, choreography, history and production will be integrated throughout the program. There will be a strong community partnership to ensure that students have the opportunity to work with visiting choreographers and guest instructors. Potential Courses
Ballet Ballet en pointe Jazz Modern
Tap Dance for Stage Dance Choreography/Performance Dance Career Preparation

7. Visual Arts
Focus on nurturing and developing a love of art and preparing students for careers in the field. Preparation will be centered on developing practical skills and exploring intellectual ideas behind artistic expression and developing their passion for the the arts. Students will work with professionally credentialed instructors who mentor students to achieve their personal best. There will be a strong community partnership to ensure that students have the opportunity to work with visiting teaching artists and guest instructors.
Potential Courses
Ceramics Drawing Fiber and Metal Arts Jewelry Painting Studio Arts
Photography Printmaking Sculpture AP Art History AP Studio Art

8. Theatre
Focus on creating an immersive experience for students. Preparation will be centered on increasing knowledge, skill and creative practice. Students will have the opportunity to increase awareness of contemporary issues through study and practices as well as an awareness of careers in the field, advanced training opportunities and the interrelationships between theatre and other disciplines. Students will work with professionally credentialed instructors who will mentor students to achieve their personal best. There will be strong community partnerships to ensure that students have the opportunity to work with visiting and guest instructors. Potential Courses
Acting Theory and Practice Musical Theatre Costume, Scenic, Sound, Properties, and Lighting Design Technical Theatre and Stage Craft
Arts Management Theatrical Management & Design Playwriting and Directing Theatre History

9. Music
Focus on providing students a transformative comprehensive music experience Preparation will center on providing students access to a curriculum enhanced by innovative performance projects, master classes by guest artists and thoughtful integration of contemporary topics. Students will work with professionally credentialed instructors who mentor students to achieve their personal best. There will be strong community partnerships to ensure that students have the opportunity to learn and showcase their work in the community.
Potential Courses
Orchestra (small and large group) Symphonic and Concert Band Jazz Band Chorus Piano
Guitar Piano Jazz Ensemble Music Appreciation Music Theory

10. Arts, Media & Entertainment
Focus on preparation in four pathways, Design, Visual, and Media Arts, Performing Arts, Production and Managerial Arts, and Game Design and Integration. Preparation will center on providing students with appropriate knowledge, skills and practical experiences so students are position to successfully pursue their chosen profession. Students will work with professionally credentialed instructors who mentor students to function competitively in a media-rich world. There will be strong partnerships to ensure that students have the opportunity to work, learn and lead in arts, media and entertainment in our community.
Potential Courses
Video Production Broadcast Journalism Photography Multi-media Production
Computerized Graphic Design Computer Animation Photographic Imaging Digital Art and Mixed Media

11. The Facility Relocate NHCS TV to Williston Campus Dance Studio
Recording Studio
Auditorium
2 Stages
Central Location
Close Proximity to Community Arts Venues

12. Challenges Opportunities Impact on other arts programs
World Class Performing Arts Education
Training
Experiences
Flexible Scheduling
Environment
Increasing Choice Options
Strong connection with Community Arts Programs
Eligible for Restart Application
Challenges
Impact on other arts programs
Engaging the Community as a part of the design
Staffing /Training
Facility
Recruitment
Commitment
Costs

13. COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT PLAN
Conduct a Parent Survey
Develop a Community Survey
Notify key community stakeholders about the intent to create an arts high school at Williston.
Host special presentations for key stakeholders
Establish a community-based task force or Advisory Committee.
Host a Public Forum to present information about the plans for the new school and to gather input.
Establish a Student Council
Prepare a Fact Sheet about the new school with key talking points.
Prepare a conceptual design drawing of the new school to present at public meetings.
Host a series of educational forums to present the concept of the new school and to gather public input.
Develop a marketing plan for the new school - PSAs, website, social media campaign utilizing SnapChat, Instagram, Twitter & Facebook, face-to-face meetings
Establish a Foundation or work with the “Arts Friendly Foundation” to identify potential external funding sources and sponsors. (Alumni, philanthropists, business, arts community, artists/donors with Wilmington or NC connections such as Linda Lavin, John Travolta, Robert Downey, Jr.)
Meet with and obtain support from city, state, and federal legislators to get funding support. Get Governor Cooper’s support.
Establish new Community Partners for the New Arts HS from untapped businesses such as Screen Gems.
Develop and host student recruitment events