Perpich News

Professional Development

  • International Spanish Language Academy CAPP Committee Presents Their Plan to the School Board

    November 2, 2026

    Members of the ISLA arts team present their arts plan at the ISLA school board meeting in October 2026.

    On October 26, 2026, the CAPP arts team at International Spanish Language Academy (ISLA) presented their arts plan at the…

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  • A Note from our Executive Director, Allegra Smisek – October 26, 2026

    October 26, 2026

    Greetings from Perpich Center for Arts Education!
    Last month, I wrote about belonging at Perpich. This month, as Arts High School applications open for next school year, I’m thinking about the students who haven’t found us yet. Somewhere in Minnesota, a young person…

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  • Perpich Students Experience the Power of Music and Culture Through Act One Virtual Reality

    October 23, 2026

    Perpich students engage with Act One’s innovative VR Arts Immersion™ program

    What does it feel like to be in the room with a mariachi band, hearing the music and learning the stories behind the performers? For students in Katie…

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  • Fall Reads from Perpich Library

    October 14, 2026

    With the weather turning cooler and more blustery, it’s the start of “curl up with a good book and a hot beverage” weather. Fall is the perfect time for both spooky and cozy reads, so that is what the Perpich Library is…

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  • Two Minnesota Dance Educators Receive Awards

    October 6, 2026

    Congratulations to Dr. Julie Kerr-Berry, Professor Emerita of Dance at Minnesota State University, Mankato, and to Kristin Blatzheim, a dance educator in District 196, for both receiving awards recently!

    Dr. Julie Kerr-Berry

    Dr. Julie Kerr-Berry, Professor Emerita of Dance at…

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  • A Note from our Executive Director, Allegra Smisek – September 28, 2026

    September 28, 2026

    Greetings from Perpich Center for Arts Education!
    September is a month of beginnings at Perpich. Students are finding their people, trying new things, and discovering what becomes possible when their ideas are taken seriously. Last week, at the opening of Rumination, our Studio…

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  • Hopeful Books about Mental Health from Perpich Library

    September 22, 2026

    September is National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, a time dedicated to sharing resources, raising awareness, and encouraging open conversations about mental health and suicide prevention.

    According to the JED Foundation, 65% of LGBTQ+ and 31% of cisgender and heterosexual high school students reported…

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  • Board Member Shannon Finnegan Says Farewell

    September 17, 2026

    Perpich Board Member Shannon Finnegan is concluding her service on the Perpich Board of Directors after serving since February 2025. Appointed by Gov. Tim Walz and Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan, Finnegan brought more than 15 years of experience in education, student-centered learning,…

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  • A Note from our Executive Director, Allegra Smisek – August 31, 2026

    August 31, 2026

    Greetings from Perpich Center for Arts Education!
    Perpich is both a place people come to and a resource we bring to communities across Minnesota.

    Allegra Smisek, Executive Director

    This August offered a wonderful reminder of both sides of that mission. Perpich…

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