Portsmouth Public Schools Performing Arts

05/23/2026

Porte Towne Magic! Steel Pans, Umoja Festival 2026

05/22/2026

05/18/2026

Join us for the PPS Middle School Dance Program Spring Concert, Lights, Camera, Action!: Music, Movies, and Television, on Wednesday, May 20 at Churchland Middle School!

This exciting evening will feature student performers from Churchland Middle School, Cradock Middle School, and Waters Middle School as they showcase their talent, creativity, hard work, and even student choreography. It has been an incredible year for our dance students, and this concert is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate all they have accomplished.

Doors open at 6:00 p.m.
Show begins at 6:15 p.m.
Free and open to the public

Come out and support our dance students and the performing arts in Portsmouth Public Schools!

05/15/2026

Wednesday's Strings Impact concert at Simonsdale Elementary School was a meaningful celebration of student growth, collaboration, and the continued expansion of strings education in Portsmouth Public Schools.

Through Arts for Learning, Strings Impact is providing after-school strings instruction at three of our elementary schools, helping introduce more students to instrumental music and building a strong foundation early. It was especially inspiring to see students joined by William E. Waters Middle School and Manor High School orchestra students, showing the power of connection, mentorship, and a full pathway for young musicians.

Experiences like this remind us that when students are given access and opportunity, the results are powerful. We are proud of all of the students who performed and grateful for the partnerships that continue to strengthen arts education across Portsmouth.

MusicEducation SupportTheArts

05/15/2026

Congratulations to Janelle Jones, dance teacher at Churchland High School, on being recognized during the Portsmouth State of the City for her outstanding work and impact.

From a Portsmouth Public Schools Performing Arts lens, this recognition speaks to the power of dedicated arts educators who do far more than teach technique. Ms. Jones helps students build confidence, discipline, creativity, leadership, and pride through dance. Her work reminds us that the performing arts are not just programs in our schools; they are pathways for expression, excellence, and opportunity.

From a community lens, her impact extends beyond the classroom and stage. She represents the talent, commitment, and heart that exist within Portsmouth Public Schools and throughout our city. When our educators pour into students, they help shape the culture, identity, and future of Portsmouth.

We are proud to celebrate Ms. Janelle Jones and the continued impact of dance, arts education, and creative leadership in Portsmouth!

05/13/2026

Yesterday’s Strings Impact concert at Churchland Elementary School was a beautiful reflection of what arts education can do when students are supported and connected across grade levels.

Through Arts for Learning, Strings Impact is providing after-school strings instruction at three of our elementary schools, helping build early access and excitement for instrumental music. It was especially powerful to see students joined by Churchland Middle School and Churchland High School orchestra students, creating a full pathway of collaboration, mentorship, and musicianship.

Moments like this remind us that strong arts programs do not happen by accident. They are built through opportunity, consistency, and community. We are proud of all of the students who performed and grateful for the partnerships that continue to grow strings education in Portsmouth Public Schools.

MusicEducation SupportTheArts

05/12/2026

Yesterday’s Strings Impact concert at Cradock Elementary School was a wonderful celebration of student growth, collaboration, and the power of music education.

Through Arts for Learning, Strings Impact is helping expand access to instrumental music through an after-school strings program currently serving students at three of our elementary schools. It was especially meaningful to see Cradock Middle School Orchestra students collaborate with the program, creating a powerful connection for retention between our elementary and middle school musicians.

Opportunities like this show the lasting impact of arts partnerships and the importance of building strong pathways for young performers. We are proud of all of the students who shared their talents and represented the promise of strings education in Portsmouth!

05/11/2026

You’re invited! In partnership with Arts for Learning, we are proud to present the culminating Strings Impact concerts featuring students from Churchland, Cradock, and Simonsdale Elementary Schools. Our secondary orchestras will perform as well, building strings orchestra participation and momentum from elementary to middle to high school! Portsmouth Public Schools

05/07/2026

What a night for Portsmouth Public Schools theatre!

Our One-Act Festival was a powerful reminder that while our theatre departments may be small, their impact is anything but. With limited budgets but unlimited heart, creativity, and determination, our students and directors delivered an evening of storytelling, talent, and artistry that made us proud.

From Manor, to I.C. Norcom, to Churchland, each performance reflected the power of student voice and what is possible when passion meets purpose. This festival was more than a production. It was proof that meaningful arts experiences do not require massive resources to make a lasting impact.

We are proud of our students, grateful for our educators, and excited about the continued growth of theatre in Portsmouth Public Schools!

TheatreEducation

04/30/2026

Important update: Portsmouth Public Schools’ One-Act Festival has been rescheduled to Wednesday, May 6 at Churchland High School.

Join us for an unforgettable evening of student theatre featuring performances from Manor High School, I.C. Norcom High School, and Churchland High School. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. and showtime is 7:00 p.m. Admission is free!

Come out and support our student artists as they bring powerful stories to life on stage!