This year has been filled with both challenges and growth. We successfully fought against the school closure and reconfigured the school into a future K–8 center. The band program was restructured and had begun taking shape, and we started an after-school string program. The school has partnered with the South Florida Symphony to bring professional musicians into our classrooms to work with students, and we strengthened the relationship between Glades Middle School and Everglades High School.  Plans for next year were to include an afterschool Jazz Band, as well as a Drum Line and Pep Band to play at athletic events and creating a pipeline of talent to the High School Marching Band.

However, these opportunities could be lost for students, as the Broward School District has made the decision to surplus the Band Director position at Glades Middle School and cancel the band program. Our principal, Ms. Fatout, has been very supportive of the electives and fought hard against this decision. Unfortunately, this decision was made at the district level and not by the school itself. I know that our administration is dedicated to creating the best possible learning environment for all students and will continue working hard to overcome these obstacles.

Nobody can be sure what this means for the future of Glades Middle School. Elective programs give a school its character and provide students with opportunities for self-expression, creativity, and teamwork. Eliminating electives makes school less appealing for both students and parents. Even if this decision is final, I encourage you to let your voice be heard. When decisions like this are met with silence, it communicates acceptance and encourages similar decisions in the future.  Everglades High School, West Broward High School, Miramar High School, and Flanagan High School will certainly be affected by these changes, and students will face similar challenges in the coming years when they move on from Glades Middle School.

I highly encourage everyone, not just the families of Glades Middle School's band students, to support this cause, as anyone who has been involved with any club, sport, or program knows just how much these types of things can help with development, confidence, making friends, and a student's future.