am sharing some information that was forwarded to me regarding the recent 'elimination of the elementary school band program ' in the Pawtucket Public Schools. This elimination has effected 240 enthusiastic students. An email message was sent to Consuelo Sherba from Pawtucket parent, Kim Reall who is looking for help. Consuelo Sherba is a Pawtucket resident, plays viola and performs with the RI Philharmonic - her husband Chuck is concert master of the RI Philharmonic. Consuelo has been most active in the community with music education especially in our public schools. She developed the music program at some of our housing projects teaching underpriviledged students with a desire to learn - and much like the movie ''Music From the Heart'' which starred Meryl Streep, our Pawtucket program has been most inspirational to students who would not normally have had the opportunity to learn to play a musical instrument. Consuelo has asked me to spread this email she received.
Perhaps you do not have a child in the Pawtucket school system, or perhaps you are not a parent - however ...these actions will have an impact on our community in the long run. Unless our children are provided an opportunity to learn, understand, and appreciate the arts at a young age - the artist movement and cultural venues that we have seen come to Pawtucket over the past few years will not be sustained by the community in the future. One reality is that the Pawtucket School Department continues to deal with a 4 million dollar deficit.
As you may recall, Ann Galligan, a professor at Northeastern University, was hired by the City of Pawtucket to develop the City??™s cultural plan (published in 2005) which provided ''a road map to develop sound policy, programs and services to support the growing artist community in Pawtucket''. In this plan, she reports the ''need to support efforts to enhance educational opportunities for Pawtucket residents of all ages..''.(visit www.pawtucketri.com for the full report under ''arts'').
I have been in touch with school committee member, Joanne Bonollo regarding this issue.....she welcomes your calls or emails on this or any school issue. You may reach her at #725-1414 or Chave been in touch with school committee member, Joanne Bonollo regarding this issue.....she welcomes your calls or emails on this or any school issue. You may reach her at #725-1414 or bonolloj@cox.net
COME TO THE SCHOOL COMMITTEE MEETING ON OCTOBER 9TH 6:00 P.M.
JENKS JR. HIGH (across from McCoy Stadium)...
By Arthur for Joanne
Perhaps you do not have a child in the Pawtucket school system, or perhaps you are not a parent - however ...these actions will have an impact on our community in the long run. Unless our children are provided an opportunity to learn, understand, and appreciate the arts at a young age - the artist movement and cultural venues that we have seen come to Pawtucket over the past few years will not be sustained by the community in the future. One reality is that the Pawtucket School Department continues to deal with a 4 million dollar deficit.
As you may recall, Ann Galligan, a professor at Northeastern University, was hired by the City of Pawtucket to develop the City??™s cultural plan (published in 2005) which provided ''a road map to develop sound policy, programs and services to support the growing artist community in Pawtucket''. In this plan, she reports the ''need to support efforts to enhance educational opportunities for Pawtucket residents of all ages..''.(visit www.pawtucketri.com for the full report under ''arts'').
I have been in touch with school committee member, Joanne Bonollo regarding this issue.....she welcomes your calls or emails on this or any school issue. You may reach her at #725-1414 or Chave been in touch with school committee member, Joanne Bonollo regarding this issue.....she welcomes your calls or emails on this or any school issue. You may reach her at #725-1414 or bonolloj@cox.net
COME TO THE SCHOOL COMMITTEE MEETING ON OCTOBER 9TH 6:00 P.M.
JENKS JR. HIGH (across from McCoy Stadium)...
By Arthur for Joanne
