Published: May 05, 2007 12:37 pm      

Teacher turns performer during 28th annual Edmond Arts Festival

EDMOND — Blues’ melodies drifted from Java Dave’s doorway Friday as Lisa Curl, a former Edmond Memorial graduate entertained students and diners with her velvety smooth voice sounding much like a Nora Jones protégé.

Curl, a member of the class of 1996, and Piper (Tigret) Bridwell, a Memorial Class of 2001 graduate, brought their seventh-grade students from Oklahoma City’s North Care ABS to Edmond’s Art Festival and gave them the chance to hear their teacher on stage for the first time. The arts festival continues in downtown Edmond today through Sunday afternoon.

Curl sang songs from her two CDs, “Wish I Were Japanese” and “My Poppet, My Pigsnie” a take from C.S. Lewis’ writing.

“Lisa will be performing next Wednesday at Pearl’s Lakeside,” Bridwell said, “and as a surprise treat we are taking the students to hear her there.”

Seventh-grade students Kendre and Quayshawn took turns accompanying their teacher on the tambourine while Destiny looked on.

“Because of the school’s socio-economic background, we have students who haven’t had a lot of different social opportunities, so we try to immerse them in activities they might not normally have the chance to enjoy,” Curl said.

All of the students, although many are exceptionally bright, have tested low on the IEP tests given in the public schools and are considered special education students.

“Different rules and regulations apply to these students and this is an alternative form of education to keep them in school, on track and to help them with learning problems,” Curl said.

Students attend the school in 45-day cycles. At the end of the cycle, the teaching team either suggests they go back to their original school or keep them for a longer period of time.

“While in our school we are teaching the students in small groups through various means to make better life choices,” Curl said. “We not only encourage them to make changes in their lives, but we also work to change their perception of life.”

The school has 40 students in attendance with four teachers on the teaching staff and is in a partnership with North Care Mental Health.

“All students have gone through an application process and all students are on IEPs,” Curl said. “Many of them come into our school with a low score on their reading test, and we also work with them to improve those skills.

“We realize our goal is to prepare them for transition back into public schools. Just like any teenager these are great kids who sometimes make bad choices. They just need positive role models to help them make the right decisions.”

(Patty Miller may be reached via e-mail at pmiller@edmondsun.com.)



To listen

To purchase one of Lisa Curl’s CDs or to get a list of summer performances, go to www.lisacurl.com.