Art & Music Classes needed - Please read!

Recently a friend informed me of some disturbing changes being made this coming year to the elementary school program:

Lampasas ISD, starting in the 2009-2010 school year, will have 3 elementary schools. The teachers were dispersed throughout the campuses and were told there would not be art teachers in the elementary grades, unless they possibly used an aid to teach it.

For approximately 30 years we've had a certified teacher for elementary art at LISD.

Mr. Dunn told Mrs. Bear, one of the present Hanna Springs art teachers, she could teach 1/2 time music and 1/2 time art at Taylor Creek. This is wonderful that the campus will get a little of both, but it is not enough time to give the kids the full benefit of either program.

Mr. Bear, another art teacher at Hanna Springs, was moved to Middle School to teach Special Ed.

The following are reasons why we need elementary art as a separate class, taught by certified teachers:

The majority of our students are so motivated by going to art that we often hear parents say they NEVER have any trouble getting their child to school on a day they have art class. Therefore, attendance may become a bigger problem and could cause the district to lose money.

There are few subjects that motivate kids struggling in academics, but art is one of them. Seldom are there behavior problems in art classes. The kids DO NOT WANT TO MISS THE CLASS! Even Special Ed. students thrive in these classes. The teachers and nurses often see "miraculous" healings when a student is reminded they have art class on that day.

Art classes are so much more than cut, color and paste. We sculpt, weave, paint, and draw, only to name a few of the things we do. We learn about art history and art culture. We learn how the arts have influenced our world and how art skills can be implemented in the work place. Art promotes higher level thinking skills.

It is a wonderful emotional release. Kids thrive in this setting when they may struggle everywhere else. Many of the kids who come from the lower socio-economic backgrounds have often times never had the opportunity to work with a variety of art materials until they get in elementary schools. Some districts fund their fine art programs with Title 1 money.

Many times students will settle their behavior down for a classroom teacher if they know they might miss their art class, so discipline could be a bigger problem.

Teachers have been told over the last 5 to 8 years that we need to cut out the "artsy/crafty" things from the school day. With the pressure to pass the TAKS tests there is not extra time in the school day for art instruction and major projects. If teachers do take the time for the art projects next year, it is possible that some might let academic subjects "slide" in order to get the art activities worked in.

Art and music teachers are held to the same standards as academic teachers. They have state mandated TEKS to follow and cover thoroughly. Classroom management and organization is of the greatest importance in order to accomplish the projects and cover the curriculum while serving large numbers of students. Certified teachers and experience in these areas are a must to have successful programs.

CHECK IT OUT FOR YOURSELF. If you agree this is a problem, please send a letter to the school board or talk to the school board in person.

Thanks!

Anonymous Community Member

Time to campaign!

Please email lampasas@hotmail.com if you feel that you can help, the two runners that filed, Mr. Mark Bishop and Mr. Dan Claussen, get the support they need to get elected to the school board! We will need help with signage, phone calls, word of mouth, and anything else that you can think of! Any support is wecolme!

Will keep updating this blog with events such as forums etc and other board meetings to keep those that are busy informed of what's going on! Thanks for everyones support and well wishes! Here's to a good campaign!