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Dear Centennial Music Families, We are reaching out on behalf of the Centennial High School Friends of Music with an urgent request: please take a few minutes to write to our Board of Education and Superintendent to advocate for the reinstatement of 3rd grade strings in the school budget. The decision made with Budget Scenario 7 to cut the 3rd grade strings program will have far-reaching impacts—not just on our youngest musicians, but on the structure of the entire elementary school music program. If this cut is implemented, we have learned that ALL elementary instrumental music teachers of band and orchestra may be completely reassigned, leading to significant restructuring across the district. Long-standing, valued relationships between music teachers and school communities may be lost, as these educators are relocated to new schools with little or no community input. For years, 3rd grade strings has served as a vital entry point for music education in our district—one that fosters discipline, creativity, confidence, and a love for the arts. The earlier we can engage students in music, the greater their long-term academic and emotional benefits. We urge you to join us in expressing to district leaders that music matters, and that preserving strong, consistent music programs is essential to our children's education. Please send your message as soon as possible to ensure it is received before final decisions are made this week. Today is the LAST day for written testimony. Below is sample language you can use or personalize in your own message: Subject: Please Reinstate 3rd Grade Strings and Avoid Restructuring ES Music Dear Superintendent Barnes and Members of the Board of Education, I am writing as a concerned [parent/guardian/community member] to respectfully urge you to restore funding for the 3rd grade strings program in our schools. This program not only introduces students to the joy of music at a critical developmental stage but also anchors the structure of our entire elementary music education system. Eliminating 3rd grade strings will likely result in the widespread reassignment of our dedicated music teachers across the board, severing meaningful relationships they have built with students, families, and school communities over many years. These teachers are integral to our school culture and their stability is essential to student success. Please do not let budget constraints come at the expense of educational equity and enrichment. Music is not an extracurricular luxury—it is a core part of a well-rounded education. Thank you for your time and for considering the voices of our community. Sincerely, [Your Name] [Your School Community] Superintendent
Bill Barnes [email protected] Board of Education Jolene Mosley, Chair [email protected] District 3 Linfeng Chen, Ph.D., Vice Chair [email protected] At-Large - County 2 (covers for Board chair) Andrea Chamblee, Esq. [email protected] District 5 Meg Ricks [email protected] District 1 Jacquelin (Jacky) McCoy [email protected] At-Large - County 1 Jennifer Swickard Mallo [email protected] District 4 Antonia Watts [email protected] District 2 |
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