THE SIGNATURE PROGRAM FOR CREATIVE AND PERFORMING ARTS
The Signature Program for Creative and Performing Arts at Winston Churchill High School
provides students with the unique opportunity to focus in their area of interest with rigorous courses
and enrichment activities. The Signature Program events are designed to present students with
knowledge for enrichment as well as knowledge of career pathways and opportunities. Research on
career opportunities or side-opportunities will support their interests with the reality of income.
Speakers will be sharing their experiences and highlighting opportunities. Students
will participate in off-campus enrichment activities where they hone their knowledge through contacts with professionals.
Student will also participate in competitions where they might receive recognition for scholarships or college acceptance.
Students will select a single focus for four years. The options include the visual arts (multiple media options), choral and
instrumental music, journalism (yearbook and newspaper) or theatre.
The C&PA Signature Program is a four-year program. Applications received in the middle of Grade 9 or later will be reviewed
for the potential of completing the Program requirements. If the student is able to complete the requirements in the remaining
time, the student will be invited into the Program on a probationary basis. If after one semester, there is strong evidence that
the student is committed to meeting the requirements, the Coordinator will enthusiastically change the status.
Students who wish to graduate with the Signature Program for Creative and Performing Arts distinction must fulfill the
following program requirements: SIGNATURE PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS
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Meet the MCPS graduation requirements
Take four credits of coursework in a Signature Program focus area: Art, Choral or Instrumental
Music, Journalism or Theatre
 Take one additional credit in another Signature Program of Creating and Performing Arts focus
area
 Submit a reflective portfolio of their work at the end of grades 9, 10, and 11 (for class of 2017
and on)
 Participate in an approved summer or school year Enrichment program
 Research on how to pursue a specific career of their choice (This may be outside of the Arts.) (for
class of 2019 and on)
 Attend the Career Speaker Series related to careers and complete summary questions
 Present a Senior Capstone and portfolio
 Participate in an Arts related competition
 Maintain an unweighted cumulative 3.5 grade point average in Signature Program courses
Students in the Signature Program for Creative and Performing Arts are encouraged and expected to challenge themselves
in honors, advanced level, and Advanced Placement level classes.
Students should indicate their interest in the C&PA Signature Program at the time of registration with the counselors. The
application can be found on the Churchill website under “Departments” Academy Programs. The application link is located on
the directions document.
NOTE: Students who submit applications after the start of their 9th grade year will be accepted on a probationary basis.
Full membership will be determined at the end of the semester after a review of their commitment and performance.
For more information and the application, visit Churchill’s website, www.churchillhs.org, under the “Departments”
option.