Poplar Springs Elementary Celebrates Arts and Education Legacy

Poplar Springs Elementary School in Meridian, Mississippi, continues to uphold its legacy of arts and education, blending creative expression with academic learning. A recent visit to the campus revealed the school’s commitment to fostering a vibrant learning environment for its approximately 400 students from kindergarten to fifth grade.

As I walked through a familiar hallway, a bench pillow featuring the phrase “Cool Kids Read Books” caught my eye, accompanied by a colorful image of stacked books. This simple decoration evoked fond memories of my third-grade teacher, Barbara Walker, who introduced me to the world of storytelling with E.B. White’s classic, “Charlotte’s Web.” Her engaging story time ignited my passion for writing, a legacy that Poplar Springs continues to nurture.

Historic Roots and Modern Developments

Situated away from the bustling Poplar Springs Drive and enveloped by playgrounds and wooded areas, the school’s modernist architecture stands as a landmark for the community. It has served families in Meridian since the era of racial segregation, including my own family, which attended the school years ago. Significant upgrades have transformed the campus over the years. Notable improvements include a second parking lot and a new walking track around the playing field, complemented by numerous public art installations.

While specific academic performance metrics for the school’s students remain undisclosed, the emphasis on arts education is evident. For over two decades, Poplar Springs has integrated arts into its curriculum, organizing events such as the annual “Giving Feast” in December and the “Celebrate Arts Festival” each May. These initiatives receive support from external grants and the active involvement of the school’s parent-teacher association, reinforcing the institution’s commitment to artistic engagement.

Research highlights the benefits of exposure to various art forms on students’ performance in core subjects like math, science, and geography. Engaging with music, visual arts, dance, and creative writing not only enhances academic skills but also fosters self-esteem and collaboration among students, making the learning experience more enjoyable.

Innovative Arts Integration

Lydia Brand, a second-year art teacher at Poplar Springs, emphasized the inclusive nature of arts education. “I think of arts as the place where everyone can belong,” she stated. Her approach involves rotating students through different art disciplines, allowing them to explore their creativity.

During a recent ballroom dancing session led by visiting artist Leslie Lee, students were not only taught basic steps but also encouraged to reflect on the historical significance of dance. Lee challenged them to consider how the salsa brought joy during the Great Depression, a time marked by economic hardship. “What happened during the Great Depression? People were depressed. They didn’t have jobs,” Lee explained. “But they could still dance.” This integration of history and music exemplifies the school’s innovative approach to arts education.

The school has a rich history of celebrating the arts, dating back to the 1960s when Mrs. Walker cultivated a love for writing and storytelling among her students. A 1989 article from the Meridian Star highlights a lively Grandparents Day event featuring costumed second-graders performing in a musical production. “When the program was over, nothing but smiles could be seen on the faces of the grandparents as they filed out of the auditorium,” the article noted.

Poplar Springs Elementary demonstrates how a strong commitment to the arts can enhance not only educational outcomes but also community spirit. As the school continues to evolve, it remains a place where creativity thrives and memories are made, fostering a lifelong love of learning in its students.

Warner is a journalist and cultural historian, and can be contacted at [email protected].