This letter is about your young child's right to have full time dedicated high-quality musical education programs at both UP and LP, and especially to support the LP musical teacher, Mr. Guerrard.     

Music is a moral law. It gives soul to the universe, wings to the mind, and life to everything... Without music, life would be an error.—Plato 

Some of you may have heard that Saltus has made the decision not to renew the contract of Lower Primary music teacher, Mr. Dan Guerrard, for the upcoming school year (2014/2015). Instead, the school intends to share a music teacher between the Upper Primary and Lower Primary campuses.

As a parent, you will already be aware of the importance of musical education to the development of your children, especially at a very early age. Extensive research studies have found that high-quality musical education improves early cognitive development, math and reading skills, increases IQ levels in young children, and enhances learning in other subjects*. There is also significant correlation between SAT scores and musical education (per the U.S. College Entrance Examination Board)**. 

High-quality musical education must be nurtured by a talented, dedicated, and caring teacher. Since Mr. Dan Guerrard joined Lower Primary three years ago, in addition to the regular music classes, he has pioneered the choir and handbell clubs, provided piano lessons to interested young children, and diligently orchestrated the fabulous Christmas concerts each year. In addition, he has ensured that our children are ready to participate in events such as the Ruth Henderson Memorial Concert, as well as Christmas carols at local venues, such as Gorhams. These programs have instilled creativity, confidence, self-esteem, passion and team work into our children. These are characteristics that make our children well-rounded individuals and are essential to help them reach their full potential for success in the future. 

It is literally impossible for a part-time teacher to accommodate such a busy program and your child's musical education needs in Lower Primary. If Mr. Geurrard is truly under-utilized (as the school has cited as the reason for the non-renewal of his contract), we would encourage the administration of Saltus to use him more, and expand the music programs (e.g. more piano lessons offered, including for senior students). The young children deeply enjoy the musical programs under Mr. Guerrard. After the performance of the choir and handbell clubs and the Christmas shows, their eyes are sparkling with excitement, confidence and pride. In addition, the piano lessons are so popular that Mr. Guerrard has a long waiting list. All this means that the musical program at Lower Primary should not be reduced in any way. 

During the past three years, the Lower Primary music program has kindled sparks in our children's eyes and planted small seeds (of loving music) in their little hearts. Please let's help the sparks continue to shine and the little seeds grow and flourish. 

Please demonstrate your support to a quality music program at Saltus Lower Primary and Upper Primary by responding to this petition by December 7th, 2013. 

Thanks for your support. 

* The benefits of high-quality music programs are significant compared to low-quality music programs. A study published in 2007 by University of Kansas revealed that students in elementary schools with superior music education programs scored around 22 percent higher in English and 20 percent higher in math scores on standardized tests compared to schools with low-quality music programs. 

** The College Entrance Examination Board found that students in music programs scored 63 points higher on the verbal and 44 points higher on the math sections of the SATs than students with no music participation. Additionally, students performed better on other standardized tests such as reading proficiency exams. 

*** If you are interested in learning more about the benefits of musical programs for your children please see the following sites: 

http://www.pbs.org/parents/education/music-arts/the-benefits-of-music-education/ 

http://musicempowersfoundation.com/the-importance-of-music.html 

https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/180973/DFE-00086-2011.pdf