Call to Action: Next Steps to Preserve Music at Loker
Dear Supporters,
Recently, I had the opportunity to discuss concerns with school leadership. During the conversation, I learned that extending Wednesdays to align with the regular school-day schedule was considered a preferred solution but was not feasible due to districtwide scheduling, transportation, and contractual constraints. Currently, elementary students are dismissed at 2:25 p.m. on regular days but at 1:15 p.m. on Wednesdays, creating childcare and scheduling challenges for many families. Additional early-release days (8:00 a.m.–11:30 a.m.) further compound these challenges.
Given these constraints, the district chose to increase ELA instructional time by reducing music instruction as part of its effort to create additional instructional time. While we understand the complexities of scheduling, many families do not believe reducing music is the appropriate solution, particularly as ELA already represents approximately 30% of instructional time and will now increase to 32%. More importantly, this discussion highlights a broader question:
What kind of education do we want for our children?
The proposed reduction in music is intended to create additional time for English Language Arts (ELA). However, many families do not believe this reflects our community's priorities. Loker is already a high-performing school. It meets or exceeds the Commonwealth's accountability targets and is not identified by the state as requiring intervention in ELA or any other subject. ELA already accounts for approximately 30% of the elementary instructional schedule, while music instruction represents only about 1.5% of the week (and 3.8% when students participate in ensemble).
As a community, many of us believe that preserving a well-rounded education is more valuable than adding additional ELA minutes at the expense of music. Music is a translational skill that supports learning and development in all subject areas. Music supports creativity, confidence, collaboration, perseverance, and student engagement. It is not simply an "extra” but an important part of a complete education.
The district is aware of the petition and the community’s concerns and intends to move forward with the pilot. Thus, we are asking for your help to respectfully ask the district to reconsider its scheduling priorities and pursue solutions that preserve music rather than reducing it. We also welcome ideas and suggestions from families about potential solutions or ways to address scheduling challenges while maintaining the opportunities that make our schools strong.
If you agree, please consider emailing Superintendent Dr. David Fleishman (david_fleishman@waylandps.org). A respectful message from our community can help demonstrate that families value a balanced education and want music to remain part of it. I have provided a template below that can be adapted as needed for those interested.
Also, please consider joining the Wayland Parent Action Network (https://www.facebook.com/share/g/18vt9Evk69/ and letting us know what feedback you shared. This is completely optional, but it helps us understand how we can support next steps.
Email to Superintendent (david_fleishman@waylandps.org):
Subject: Please Preserve Music at Loker
Dear Dr. Fleishman,
I am writing to ask that the district reconsider the proposal to reduce music instruction at Loker Elementary School. I understand that scheduling decisions are complex and there are logistical challenges surrounding balancing instructional time, staffing, transportation, and professional development. However, I do not believe reducing music is the right solution to these issues.
Loker is already a high-performing school that meets or exceeds state accountability targets and is not identified by Massachusetts as requiring intervention in ELA. At the same time, ELA already makes up approximately 30% of the elementary schedule, while music instruction represents only a small fraction of students' week.
As a parent and community member, I believe preserving a well-rounded education should remain a priority. Music contributes to creativity, collaboration, confidence, and student engagement, and there is substantial research demonstrating that arts education supports children's overall development and complements academic learning.
Rather than reducing music to create additional ELA time, I encourage the district to continue exploring long-term scheduling solutions that preserve both strong academics and strong music education.
I respectfully ask that you reconsider this proposal and work with the community to find a solution that preserves music instruction for Loker students.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]