MORGANTOWN, KY (October 29, 2025) — At Butler County Middle School, learning recently took center stage -literally. Sixth-grade students transformed their classroom into a performance space for The Legend of Sleepy Hollow, showcasing how communication and creativity come together to inspire confidence, teamwork, and lifelong learning.

This project at Butler County Middle School invited students to embrace one of Butler County Schools’ Portrait of a Learner pillars: Communication. As they rehearsed, performed, and reflected on their classroom play, students demonstrated the powerful impact of clear expression, active listening, and meaningful audience engagement.

“Our 6th grade students had a great time performing The Legend of Sleepy Hollow! Through this fun classroom play, students showcased the Portrait of a Learner pillar of Communication by expressing themselves clearly, working together, and engaging their audience with confidence and creativity,” Principal Tim Freeman shared.

For many students, the project provided their first experience performing for an audience of peers and teachers. Through this process, they learned not only the art of storytelling but also how communication skills extend far beyond the stage. Students collaborated to bring each character to life, developed public speaking abilities, and practiced the nuances of body language and tone. All essential components of effective communication.

“Performing in front of others can be intimidating,” Freeman said. “But when students are given the opportunity to express themselves in a supportive environment, they discover confidence they didn’t know they had.”

The experience also connected directly to classroom learning. Reading and performing The Legend of Sleepy Hollow allowed students to explore literature in an interactive, memorable way. They analyzed characters, discussed themes, and used performance as a tool for comprehension, all while strengthening the speaking and listening standards emphasized across Butler County Schools.

Teachers observed that the project also brought students closer together. Working as a cast required teamwork, mutual encouragement, and respect for one another’s contributions. “It was inspiring to see students cheer for each other,” one teacher noted. “They became each other’s biggest supporters.”

The Portrait of a Learner framework - rooted in Character, Problem Solving, Communication, Collaboration, and Global Citizenship - is designed to ensure every Butler County student graduates equipped with durable skills for life. In this classroom play, Communication came to life not only through dialogue and delivery but also through empathy, connection, and community.

The success of The Legend of Sleepy Hollow is a reflection of Butler County Middle School’s commitment to creating meaningful learning experiences that engage students beyond traditional instruction. It highlights how the arts and academic standards can merge to create a deeper understanding of self-expression, confidence, and connection.

As the district continues to implement its Portrait of a Learner vision, stories like this remind us that education is about more than grades or tests. It’s about preparing students to communicate effectively, think critically, and lead with heart.

Through laughter, storytelling, and teamwork, Butler County’s sixth graders learned that their voices matter and that communication can be both fun and transformative.

In the words of Mr. Freeman, “When students find their voice, they find their confidence. That’s when real learning happens.”

With each new project, Butler County Schools continues to embody its guiding vision: One team with one vision that makes us Butler Strong.