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Arts Education
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Keep the Coalition for Hispanic Family Services Arts & Literacy Program at IS227
Keep the Coalition for Hispanic Family Services Arts & Literacy Program at IS227
Tell Lyme-Old Lyme Schools: NO to Music Department Consolidation!
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The music department at Lyme—Old Lyme High School laid the foundation of my performing arts career. Mentorship from Mr. Wilson and Mrs. Pekar was vital throughout my high school career. They provided me with a safe space to grow and learn, and their extensive knowledge of the field helped to prepare me for the industry that I now find myself in. I don't think I could be more grateful to them and for the opportunities given to me by the Lyme- Old Lyme music department. It breaks my heart that if these changes are enacted my niece and nephew might not receive those same opportunities and guidance.
As the parent of two LOL school system alumni who were both active in music curricula and extracurricular programs, I cannot state strongly enough the profoundly positive effect these music educators and programs have had. I watched both my kids find their self-confidence grow singing, playing instruments, and acting on stage. That self-confidence translated into success in school and beyond. These music educators are the heart and soul of the OUTSTANDING music program in this district and the students love them. Please reconsider any staffing changes that will impact music programming in the district.
As a member of the band and someone who plans to continue doing musicals for more years, I really hope the music program isn’t downsized. It’s important that future students have the same opportunities to be involved.
I am a current elementary music teacher for Fairfield Public Schools. The Lyme-Old Lyne music department at LOLMS and LOLHS had a huge impact on my life and career. It was the love and support of Kristine Pekar who lead me to where I am today. A reduction in her time at the high schools will for sure impact the quality of the music instruction at this level. It is sad to see LOL put reductions up in the arts when this is a time when students need it the most.
Unacceptable.
The benefits of music in the lives of young adults are scientifically proven to increase average GPA and improve general self-reported well-being. There is abundant peer-reviewed research about this, and I encourage everyone to use it as a tool in defending the arts when it comes to budgets. If you would like me to provide research I am happy to, email me at challahan@berklee.edu
History shows that there is never just one budget cut. This 'consolidation' is the first step toward phasing out arts as a central part of Region 18. It's a tragedy that the renowned music program at Lyme Old Lyme Schools isn't increased in size every year, and here we are removing it.
My name is Colin Hallahan, and LOLHS music inspired me to become a preschool music teacher, professional songwriter, and music therapist. So many more have been impacted by the music dept. and some many more can be. But this consolidation will make it so fewer and fewer can reap the benefits of the arts at LOLHS.
Stop this.
The benefits of music in the lives of young adults are scientifically proven to increase average GPA and improve general self-reported well-being. There is abundant peer-reviewed research about this, and I encourage everyone to use it as a tool in defending the arts when it comes to budgets. If you would like me to provide research I am happy to, email me at challahan@berklee.edu
History shows that there is never just one budget cut. This 'consolidation' is the first step toward phasing out arts as a central part of Region 18. It's a tragedy that the renowned music program at Lyme Old Lyme Schools isn't increased in size every year, and here we are removing it.
My name is Colin Hallahan, and LOLHS music inspired me to become a preschool music teacher, professional songwriter, and music therapist. So many more have been impacted by the music dept. and some many more can be. But this consolidation will make it so fewer and fewer can reap the benefits of the arts at LOLHS.
Stop this.
Music is how I survived high school. Reducing creative outlets only harms the kids. The cost of one teacher salary is not more valuable than the countless lives she can impact. Music is about so much more than music. It encourages cooperative learning, language skills, and can inspire passion. Our young people need more of this in school, not less.
MUSIC SAVES LIVES. Especially in this day and age and especially for young people. Taking it away erases the voice of so many students
With the high regard these kids hold for Kristine Pekar, and the program as a whole, I am seriously questioning the motivation behind this proposal. It has become a bit of a passion for my daughter and many of her fellow students. After seeing their performances the past 2 years. The quality, work and love put into it. I feel the proposal is a terrible idea and I cannot support it. If anything, I say allocate additional funding so they can do something even bigger or at least with more ease, next year.
The music department had a profound impact on my development as a young adult and taught me lessons that I carry with me and will for the rest of my life. I could list endless benefits, but I will say this: Playing an instrument or singing in an ensemble teaches you about how to listen intently to those around you and discover how your voice can join alongside others to create together something bigger and more beautiful than you could alone. Everyone deserves to have that very human experience in an increasingly less human world.
School music departments are an important part of young culture and potential passion and careers. It’s been an integral part of my high school career and I would never let it crumble, even for others. It seems ironic to say but let the voices be heard!
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