The community of Ocracoke is filled with artists and those who appreciate art, and a large number of the visitors to our island either come to enjoy our artistic community, or leave with a deep appreciation of it. Beyond our strong 'feelings' that art be reinstated at Ocracoke School, there are compelling facts to indicate that art is an integral part of any PreK-12 education. A study by Stanford University and Carnegie Foundation For the Advancement of Teaching indicates that young people who participate in the arts are:
*4 times more likely to be recognized for academic achievement
*3 times more likely to be elected to class office within their schools
*4 times more likely to participate in a math and science fair
*3 times more likely to win an award for school attendance
*Participate in youth groups nearly four times as frequently
*Read for pleasure nearly twice as often
*Perform community service more than four times as often
Furthermore, studies of the arts leads to increased awareness of self (mind, body, and voice) and others (collaboration and empathy), improved clarity and creativity in communication of verbal and nonverbal ideas, and to understanding of human behavior, motivation, diversity, culture, and history. We, the signers of this petition, are interested in all of these things for the children who attend Ocracoke school. Please reinstate our art class.