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Arts. For All Seasons.

Campaign Priorities

The Arts. For All Seasons. campaign is a transformative initiative aimed at revitalizing the fine arts at St. Thomas More High School. By focusing on three core priorities—Theater Modernization, Enriched Curriculum, and the establishment of an Endowed Fine Arts Department Advisor—this campaign will empower our students to explore their creative potential, build a vibrant arts community, and strengthen the cultural fabric of STM.


1. Theater Modernization 

 
While St. Thomas More is fortunate to have a performance space with a well-constructed, stable foundation, much of the auditorium, built during the school’s 1967 expansion, requires significant upgrades. Most of the audiovisual and theatrical equipment is obsolete, and St. Thomas More must modernize the architectural finishes to improve the audience experience.
 
After researching performing arts at other local schools, St. Thomas More found that the school’s theater had fallen behind its competitors, not only wealthier private schools but also more budgetary-similar institutions. St. Thomas More performers have encountered noticeable audio problems during plays and musicals because of frequent issues with microphones, headsets, and speakers. Meager lighting makes it difficult for patrons to comprehend the activities happening on stage, while a lack of LED house lights creates challenges when guests enter and leave the theater. St. Thomas More will also replace its antiquated rigging system and stage curtains.
 
Transforming the auditorium into a state-of-the-art Fine Arts Center also requires several architectural finishes that, while not flashy, will significantly improve the environment for both student performances and school events. The enhanced Fine Arts Center will include new acoustic and stage wall panels, control booth windows, seating, and carpeting. A light-lock vestibule may be built to reduce distractions for performers and audiences when patrons enter and exit the auditorium, and an ADA-compliant stage lift may be installed.
 
Not only will the Fine Arts Center serve as the epicenter of arts activities and programming, but it will also be utilized much more robustly to host school-wide events and activities as well as community events. Every member of the St. Thomas More community will benefit from enhancements to the performing arts center, making it a foundational space of choice to bring students, faculty, and the community together for multiple purposes and engagements. 

 
 

2. Enriched Curriculum

 
Fine arts participation at STM decreased 30 percent from 2018-19 to 2023-24, despite total student enrollment increasing 10 percent during the same time. STM surveyed students in fall 2023 to investigate this decline. One-third of students surveyed said they did not plan to take any fine arts classes beyond those required for graduation because they were not interested in the topics covered.
 
This survey asked students to rate their interest in several possible additions to the course catalog. The survey found high student interest in topics integrating art and technology, such as graphic design, film, and DSLR photography. Sixty-four percent of all respondents—and 78 percent of those interested specifically in visual arts—said they wanted to learn more about these methods of digital-based artistic expression. Students also expressed a desire for more course offerings in performing arts, such as theater, dance, and music.
 
In response, STM introduced four exciting new courses for the 2024-25 school year: 

  1. Intro to Digital Arts – This course empowers students to explore digital expression, covering photo editing, digital rendering, and more. 
  1. Dance 101 – Students will explore multiple dance styles, building agility and celebrating individuality. 
  1. Modernized Digital Photography – STM's photography course now focuses on DSLR cameras and photo editing, modernizing the curriculum for today’s creative needs. 
  1. Music Ministry – Designed to cultivate a deep understanding and practical application of music within the context of ministry and worship, this course empowers students to use music as a powerful tool for spiritual expression, community building, and enhancing the worship experience. 

STM is continuing to expand its fine arts curriculum for the 2025-26 school year, adding four more classes:
 
  1. Music Fundamentals – This class explores the foundational elements of music, including rhythm, melody, harmony, and notation, and introduces students to concepts of music theory
  1. Film Production – Students in Film Production study the elements of filmmaking, including writing, directing, production design, sound design, and lighting, and create their own cinematic stories, putting what they’ve learned into practice. 
  1. Theater I – A beginner-level course, Theater I introduces students to the fundamentals of acting, stage presence, improvisation, set design, and script analysis. 
  1. Digital Photography II – Digital Photography II teaches students more advanced techniques that utilize DSLR cameras and digital photo editing. 

The changes have already shown promising results, with strong enrollment in each course. Partnerships with local arts organizations, including Danceworks and other respected nonprofits, ensure students receive expert instruction and real-world experience. 
 
Investing in these programs required significant capital, including the purchase of DSLR cameras and advanced computers. To maintain and enhance the program, ongoing support for software subscriptions and educational field trips is needed. 
 

3. Establishing a Fine Arts Advisor

 
Fine arts play a vital role in the St. Thomas More High School experience, fostering critical thinking, creativity, and emotional growth. An innovative fine arts curriculum not only enriches students' academic journey but also enhances their mental well-being, helping them engage more deeply in their education. 
 
To fully realize the potential of a thriving fine arts program, STM aims to establish a dedicated Fine Arts Department Advisor. This new faculty position, funded by the "Arts. For All Seasons." campaign, will provide strategic leadership, ensuring the long-term growth and excellence of STM’s fine arts offerings. 
 
The Fine Arts Advisor will lead Create MORE!, STM’s comprehensive plan to elevate the arts over the next three to five years. This role will focus on: 

  1. Developing a curriculum that ensures all students earn at least 1.5 fine arts credits by graduation. 
  1. Creating programs that activate STM’s arts facilities, showcasing student talent through performances and exhibitions. 
  1. Integrating fine arts across disciplines, weaving creativity into the fabric of school life. 
  1. Building long-term partnerships with local arts organizations to enhance student learning. 
  1. Establishing a Fine Arts Council, bringing together faculty, students, alumni, and arts professionals to guide and support this initiative. 

Program Evaluation Benchmarks: 

  1. Increase fine arts enrollment by at least 15%. 
  1. Boost attendance at STM performances by 25%. 
  1. Grow student participation in theater by 20%. 
  1. Enhance the perceived quality of STM’s fine arts program through future surveys. 

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List of 2 members.

  • Photo of James McLaughlin

    Jim McLaughlin 

    Senior Director of Development
    414-481-8370 x119
  • Photo of Kevin Russell

    Kevin Russell 

    Director of Annual Giving & Stewardship
    414-481-8370 x131

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St. Thomas More is a Catholic, coeducational high school that inspires students to embrace the values of our Patron Saint by becoming men and women for all seasons. Rooted in Christ and the Catholic tradition, the school community embodies the principles of Christian discipleship, service to others, and academic excellence.

Thank you to Visual Image Photography and ValerieAnn Photography for capturing many of the photos on tmore.org.
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