One way Fraser fosters understanding and learning is by bringing the words of Shakespeare off the page and onto the stage. Celebrating the 20th year anniversary, Fraser’s fifth grade class performed Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream in front of classmates, teachers, family and a number of alumni who return every year to take part in the long-standing tradition.

Fraser first began having her class perform Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night over two decades ago, but realized the roles were limited. She was inspired by the whimsical nature and magic of A Midsummer Night’s Dream and decided to create a condensed version for her students to perform in the spring of each school year. The yearly play began to take on a life of its own, with costumes and set designed and donated by parent volunteers.

“Looking back at the happiness of childhood, I may not remember learning a particular math problem, but I do remember the magic of putting on a play and acting on stage,” she said.

The students studied their lines for about an hour a day since returning from spring break. Although the play is condensed, it is performed by the students in authentic Shakespearian language.

“These are very bright kids and I am proud of them and how hard they worked to make this play a success,” Fraser explained.

Fraser plans to pass the tradition of the A Midsummer Night’s Dream play to the Neighborhood Program, but said she hopes to come help any chance she gets.