By DENISE DICK

By DENISE DICK
VINDICATOR TRUMBULL STAFF
LORDSTOWN -- Combining high academic standards with the arts is the aim of Trumbull Arts Academy, where 25 fifth- and sixth-graders from 15 school districts will go to school beginning in January.
Trumbull Educational Service Center announced plans Friday for the new academy that will meet at Lordstown Middle School.
The Lordstown school district no longer uses the middle school building.
The arts academy is being funded with grants from First Place Foundation, $25,000; TMH Foundation, $2,250; and the Raymond John Wean Foundation, $30,000.
The 15 participating school districts also will contribute $2,000 per student.
"This is an outgrowth of the Arts/EXCEL program that's been with us for a number of years," said TCESC Superintendent Dr. Anthony D'Ambrosio.
Arts/EXCEL allows pupils in grades five through 11 in all 20 Trumbull County schools to take classes in art, vocal and instrumental music, dance and drama. Sessions are conducted 21 Fridays during the school year.
Pupils enrolled in Arts/EXCEL performed musical, choral, dance and theatrical numbers showing off their talents during Friday's presentation. Pupils from Patricia Fagan's drama class acted out parts of a machine working together.
Debbie Quinn, TCESC director of curriculum and instruction, said that demonstration is an example of how arts can be used to teach science.
How they are chosen
Children interested in attending the school will submit applications, complete a personal essay, complete a personal interview with their parents and perform an audition. There also will be academic requirements to be selected.
Five school districts in the county‚ Brookfield, Girard, McDonald, Warren and Weathersfield, aren't participating, but TCESC officials said it's because of financial constraints.
"It's not that they don't believe in the program," Quinn said.
The Arts/EXCEL, which has been in the county for about 12 years, and Arts Explore programs will continue. Trumbull Arts Academy will start with fifth- and sixth-graders when the school opens in January.
Organizers plan to add seventh grade to the enrollment in September and add older grades if interest continues.
"This is something we've talked about over the years, but the time was never quite right," Quinn said.
Same guidelines
Academy pupils will follow the same guidelines as those attending other schools in the county as far as proficiency test scores, attendance and report cards.
One regular classroom teacher will work with the pupils in academic subjects and the artist-instructors also will be on hand during the school day for art instruction.