‘Students finding their voice’: The Spartan Theatre Troupe at I.S. 51 presents Matilda Jr.

School. Sports. Social. Staten Island. Today’s story is part of the launch of our “Plugged in Parent” content, in which we’ll tell the stories that Staten Island families need to know — all in one place. We’ll be covering news that is valuable to students in public, Catholic and private schools — both in and out of the classroom. From highlights in sports, to photos from prom, to critical education news — “Plugged In Parent,” you won’t want to miss it.

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — Markham Intermediate School 51 students in the sixth, seventh, and eighth-grade Spartan Theatre Troupe members all had to audition to be part of the group. They rehearsed many hours after school to bring a rousing production of Matilda Jr. to friends and family in the community. This group, directed by James McLaughlin, is brought to the school by New York Edge. This is a non-profit organization which provides after-school sports and arts programs in NYC and the metropolitan region.