For the third consecutive year, the National Circus Project came to Maud S. Sherwood Elementary School in January for a weeklong program of circus training with professional circus performers and educators, made possible by the school’s PTA and generous contributions from families during Sherwood’s 2024 Boosterthon fundraiser.
All Sherwood students in grades 2 through 5 participated during physical education classes, learning circus tricks and skills in acrobatics and balance. These activities foster physical strength and motor skills; promote confidence; build character; and encourage creativity, patience, perseverance, self-discipline and teamwork, all while having a tremendous amount of fun. Over the course of the week, each child participated in at least 80 minutes of training, in activities such as balancing feathers and brooms, walking on stilts, juggling, spinning plates, manipulating flower sticks, twirling hula hoops, and creating clown comedy acts. Fifth graders practiced every single day, and on some days more than once, creating great memories while preparing for a culminating Jan. 10 performance in front of their friends and families.
“During the five intensive days of training, it was truly incredible to see the confidence of our students grow, as they persevered through a new challenging, yet supportive experience,” Principal Briana James said. “Overall, it was a great week of growth and development for the children, as their hard work really paid off. The children really supported each other throughout the entire week, and hearing them cheer each other on and offer words of encouragement was wonderful. We love hosting the National Circus Project and are already looking forward to next year.”
Date Added: 1/27/2025