While we love East Moriches Elementary School, the majority of us feel that we do not get to enjoy the enriching experiences that are standard in most elementary school districts, such as holiday or spring concerts, art shows, kindergarten graduation, science fairs and other engaging activities like Mystery Reader,  or the opportunity to celebrate our child’s birthday in class by reading a book and sharing a small treat. These early childhood years are fleeting. I am writing to the Board of Education as both a community member and a mother who is deeply committed to ensuring that our children—and future generations—receive an enriching and well-rounded educational experience.

In the elementary school ,we have noticed that many of the enriching experiences that are standard in most elementary schools—such as holiday or spring concerts, art shows, and engaging family-centered activities are missing from our children’s school experience. These activities play a crucial role in helping students become well-rounded individuals, allowing them to showcase diverse talents and abilities. They also foster increased transparency and collaboration between home and school, which is vital for helping students reach their fullest potential.

In our district, however, we’ve observed an absence of concerts for grades Pre-K to 3, no art show, and very limited opportunities for families to participate in enriching activities commonly offered in surrounding districts. These events do more than entertain—they nurture creativity, self-expression, confidence, and a strong sense of community. It is essential that our students receive the full elementary school experience: one that is both academically rigorous and joyfully engaging.

Our students begin taking music and art classes in kindergarten, so it is unclear why performance opportunities only begin in fourth grade—leaving out several key developmental years and important events. This request is not simply about adding “fun.” These programs highlight our students’ strengths beyond academics and offer meaningful ways to celebrate their growth. They are also grounded in well-established research:

• Performing arts (chorus, music, drama)

Improve language development, reading skills, memory, confidence, and motivation. These benefits are strongest when introduced early, not beginning in 4th grade.

• Art education

Boosts problem-solving skills, creativity, emotional expression, and fine-motor development. Public art displays help children feel competent and valued.

• Family engagement programs (such as Mystery Reader)

Studies from the Harvard Family Research Project show that when parents are invited into the school experience, students demonstrate higher academic achievement, better behavior, and stronger emotional wellbeing.

We believe our school has the potential and plenty of resources to make this happen. We have a supportive community of parents eager to contribute their time and talents. By working together, we can ensure our school offers these special events which are essential for the holistic development of our children.

Let's urge the school administration and district officials to consider our children’s need for a more vibrant and inclusive educational environment. With your support, we can appeal to the school board to allocate time, resources, and effort towards organizing concerts, art shows, and engaging activities that our children deserve.

Please join us in this mission to bring these enriching events to life in our schools. Sign this petition to express your support for organizing holiday concerts, spring concerts, art shows, Kindergarten Graduation and other exciting activities, ensuring a fulfilling and joyous elementary school experience for our children.