Bruce Cook

At Lincoln Elementary School, every student has several opportunities to explore the performing arts. Cook's winning "Arts for A+ Achievement" program is designed for each grade level to study music once a week and perform at least twice a year in musicals and grade-specific events to promote academic success. Kindergartners will host an "Author's Tea" where they present books they have written. A "Fairy Tale Ball" will teach second graders about fairy tales, and a social dance will be performed. Third graders will perform a Christmas program and host a "Poetry Reading" or a "Reader's Theater." Fourth graders will create and perform plays as a class. Cook, the principal, who lives in Rexburg, understands that the performing arts are connected to enhancing reading and math skills, improving communication abilities and building confidence. The additional ING funds will allow the school to provide a quality sound system and creative materials for students to share their imaginations with faculty, parents and the community.