HOUSTON – Aug. 7, 2020 – Spring ISD is pleased to announce the new Rickey C. Bailey Middle School Performing and Visual Arts Program, which will open this school year. 

The school will continue to serve its zoned students who will be exposed to an array of fine arts courses, including traditional and jazz bands, photography, technical theater, creative writing, dance and digital filmmaking.

Additionally, Bailey Middle School has expanded its advanced core academic offerings as well as new advanced electives. “It is absolutely wonderful to lead a program that teaches students to use their creativity to foster their growth and development. It’s truly my life’s work,” said Principal Shundra Brown.

From early spring and continuing over the course of this summer, the school team has engaged in a collaborative strategic planning process that began with envisioning the fine arts program and exploring the new courses for the more than 900 students enrolled at Bailey. 

“The program at Bailey is not only new and innovative, it provides an unparalleled uniqueness for students to learn in a variety of diverse learning formats,” said David Landgrebe, Spring ISD’s assistant director of Performing and Visual Arts and also a member of the school’s strategic planning team.

Hiring new fine arts teachers and selecting partners to provide enrichment programs for Bailey’s students have been key activities over the past few months. The school is finalizing a partnership with the Houston-area Writers in the Schools to augment its creative writing options for students.

“I’m immensely proud of our team’s efforts,” said Spring ISD Strategic Innovation Director Dr. Christian Winn. “Not only did we accept the charge to design a new program, we did so in the midst of an unprecedented time in our world. To be thoughtful, creative and resilient is a recipe for success.” 

To learn more about the Bailey Middle School Performing and Visual Arts Program, visit the school website and watch this video.