Blog 4 - Families and Children Stand by the Arts

     As mentioned in my last blog, I was able to partake in a school board meeting regarding the possible issue of cutting the art and music program(s) within the school district which I am using as my host internship site. Through this meeting I was able to observe parents, children of various ages, and community members reflect and defend the importance of the arts.

     To set the background, the meeting took place in the school gym. The original location was moved due to the expected flow of attendees. There were rows and rows of chairs placed but just before the meeting began, I noticed that chairs were full and we had filled a gym with a standing audience as well. Though the meeting was not considered public, community members signed over five pages of a sign-in sheet which listed their turn to speak and address the board.

     After the meeting began, they reviewed topics of discussion. As they reached the issue of budget shortfalls and possible cut backs in the art and music depart of K-8^th grades, the public was allowed to address the Board of Education members. Community members ranging from adult parents, to high school students, and elementary children took their turn addressing their concerns.

After two hours, below are some highlighted comments which I noted:

• Parent: “The only reason they [students] get up to go to school, read, and complete their studies is they look forward to moments to express and explore. This [music and art] is where their hopes and dreams are explored. You cannot take away their motivation.”

• Parent: “My child’s IEP (Individual Education Plan) notes the importance of his participation in the arts and music. It allows him to flow in thought and it increases his ability to perform on tests. It [music and art] is a part of a well rounded education.”

• Student: “Art is my outlet.”

• Student: “I am a high school student here to support the arts in the younger grades. The arts kept me focused while I was younger. I explored with words and music. Today, I am in high honor classes making straight A’s…without art, I would not have been able to achieve my current status.”

• Student: “It [art] inspires us to be better, think out loud and relieve stress.”

• Student: “Colleges look for students that can think outside the box. Without art, music and expression, where will this come from?”

• Student: “Art, music, and band represents the community. It is something that brings us together and defines as one.”

• 4th grade student: “I am good at it. Please don’t take it away.”

• 2^nd grade student: “I made a clay project and took it home to my family to share. It will last forever. I like to paint and talk about art with my friends.”

      In addition to the observations I made throughout the meeting, I was able to talk with several parents. I continued to hear the same repetitive information regarding the importance of art, music, band, and creativity. The insights I gained during this experience was the personal effects art(s) have on people. For many it is personal, and for others, art is a social connection. Regardless of why one believes in art, the commonality was the same, art is vital to our children. The community outreach and support demonstrated through this board meeting proved such a notion. It also gave me the realization that if you believe in something, you have the power to advocate for it. After 3 hours of this board meeting and a vote, the final outcome was to keep the art and music programs. It is a testament on what a difference YOU can make.