Opera is back in Newton and kids are benefitting from it. Third graders from Thomas Jefferson Elementary and sixth graders from Woodrow Wilson Elementary both got to participate in the Opera Iowa dramatic return to the Newton area.

Getting the Opera Iowa Educational Touring troupe to perform was a collaborative effort between the Thomas Jefferson and Woodrow Wilson PTAs. Thomas Jefferson PTA president Stephanie Critchfield is ecstatic about exposing the kids to the opera.

“Growing up in Newton, OPERA Iowa used to come to the school, generally the high school, every year and do a performance for all of the elementary schools,” Critchfield said. “I moved back into town about four years ago, and we investigated doing it last year but just didn’t have enough time — unfortunately, just this year in terms of timing and everything. We thought it was most appropriate that the third and sixth graders participate and make it sort of a privilege because it’s exciting and in terms of space.”