Mildred Osborne’s Director of Enrichment, Angelo Cross, has dedicated his career to helping students discover their passions beyond traditional academics. Read more about how enrichment programs at Osborne are helping students find confidence and creativity through music, art, athletics, and more.
What role does enrichment play in student development at Osborne?
Enrichment helps students make connections between their core subjects and real-world applications. In music, students work with mathematical concepts through rhythm and timing. In physical education, they learn about coordination and fitness while developing teamwork skills. Our art programs encourage creativity and problem-solving, while technology classes prepare students for an increasingly digital world.
But it’s more than just supplementary activities—enrichment is integral to our students’ growth. When students receive coaching feedback on the basketball court or during band practice, they’re developing skills that transfer directly to the classroom. They learn that feedback helps us grow and that making mistakes is part of the learning process.
How do enrichment teachers collaborate with other educators at Osborne?
Our enrichment teachers have a unique opportunity to see students in a different light. If a student who struggles in traditional classes shows leadership potential in band or excels in art, we share these insights with their other teachers. This communication helps create a more comprehensive understanding of each student’s capabilities and potential.
We’re not working in isolation—enrichment teachers are part of the broader educational team. If we discover an approach that works well with a particular student in PE or music class, we share that information so it can be adapted for core subjects. This collaborative approach helps ensure student success across all areas of their education.
Can you share some examples of how enrichment programs impact students?
One of our band directors recently identified leadership potential in a student who had been struggling in other areas. By nurturing these qualities through music, we’ve seen the student grow both in band and in their other classes. It’s about finding what motivates each student and using that to encourage overall growth.
We also had a basketball player who faced challenges with emotional regulation in the classroom. Through a strong mentoring relationship with his coach and coordination between athletics and academic staff, we saw a complete transformation in his behavior and academic engagement. That coach became a very positive influence in the student’s life, and teachers routinely worked with him to help that student better adjust to the classroom. He’s now playing basketball in high school and continuing to build on the skills he developed here.
How do enrichment programs prepare students for their future?
Many of our students dream of becoming athletes, musicians, or artists. Our programs give them their first real exposure to these fields. Whether they’re learning drum patterns in music class, mastering new moves in dance, or developing their artistic style, they’re building foundational skills that could lead to future opportunities.
We recently started working with the Louisiana Film Prize Committee on a middle school film festival. Students learn everything from scriptwriting to filming, and the enthusiasm has been incredible. After our first year, students who weren’t initially interested are now eager to participate. It’s about exposing them to possibilities they might not have considered before.
How are enrichment programs contributing to Black History Month celebrations at Osborne?
Black History Month is always special at Mildred Osborne as it coincides with Mardi Gras here in New Orleans. We have two exciting events happening at Osborne this February. First, we’re hosting a Black History Month program that will recognize and celebrate African American contributions. Our staff members are taking part in the presentations—I’ll be sharing about Ida B. Wells, as I have a family connection to her story. The program will include student and staff performances, and we’re adding Black History trivia between acts where students can win special t-shirts.
Since Black History Month coincides with Mardi Gras season, we’re also preparing for our annual Mardi Gras parade. What started as a small celebration with one float and a band has grown significantly. This year, we’ll have multiple high school bands performing, news anchors participating on floats, and the fire department joining us with one of their trucks. For someone like me, who didn’t grow up in New Orleans, it’s exciting to be part of these traditions and see how they bring our school community together.
What’s your vision for enrichment at Osborne?
We want every student who comes through our programs to develop confidence that extends beyond specific activities. When students leave Osborne, we want them to feel they belong wherever they go. Our enrichment programs help build that confidence by giving students multiple ways to express themselves.
Through art, music, dance, technology, and athletics, we’re not just teaching specific skills—we’re helping students discover their passions and develop the self-assurance they need to pursue them. When we see a student find their voice through these programs, whether it’s on stage, on the court, or in the art room, we know we’re achieving our goal.
