Here is an update on the proposed elementary school Specials.

Band and Strings are affected under the proposals.

We encourage all to attend this meeting to learn the facts.

I’m including a message that went out from GAME over the weekend. Can you share this with your parents? We have important news to share with you regarding proposed changes to the elementary school Band and Strings programs.

A work study session is scheduled for Tuesday, January 26, 2010 from 6 to 7 PM at the Gilbert School District.

The School District will present to the Governing Board proposed changes to the elementary school programs regarding Band and Strings, PE, Library and General Music. The proposals will not be voted on at this meeting. A part of the proposal recommends eliminating the 5th and 6th grade Block time currently set aside for Band and Strings classes. The Band and Strings classes then would share a five day “Special” rotation with PE and Library. Band and Strings sectionals (woodwinds and brass, and high and low strings) are eliminated under the proposal. The public is welcome to attend the Work/Study session on Tuesday to hear firsthand the reasons behind the proposed changes and understand the details of the proposals. The meeting is not open for public comment. We encourage you to attend the session to hear the facts first hand. Many important reasons drive the need for scheduling changes. The Governing Board is faced with the challenge of balancing these needs in a schedule that works for our students. The Board does not take this challenge lightly. An unintended consequence of the proposed change is a reduction of as much as one third instruction time for Band and Strings.

We hope to continue a collaborative effort with the Board in reviewing options relating to this reduction. We need your ideas and suggestions on how the proposal can be developed further to enhance the overall elementary schedules while preserving quality Band and Strings class time. Please let your friends and neighbors know about the upcoming Work/Study session so that they too can learn firsthand the facts and issues.

You can follow us at www.GilbertMusicMatters.com as well as through the following Facebook groups: Gilbert Music Matters; Gilbert Advocates for Music Education; and GAME. Questions, comments and suggestions can be directed to our website, to GAME@cox.net and to any of the Facebook groups.