He should be staying. As an orchestra teacher, having someone less qualified teaching students orchestra will hurt the program and will not benefit the students. Chris sounds like an amazing string teacher who if allowed to continue could take the students to great places and continue to expand their knowledge. Why is it alright to cut the orchestra director, but not the band director? Would you be alright if it went the opposite direction- keep the orchestra director to teach band?
X
Xanat Chavez
7 years ago
The man deserves to keep his job. Get your priorities straight Batavia. Our track is fine
M
Magdalena Emmert
7 years ago
You are making a huge mistake by letting him go. He is truly a treasure and if you are committed to the Arts, you could not have a better individual to lead the orchestra/music department.
A
Anonymous
7 years ago
I remember when I was in 7th grade when he was first hired I was debating weather or not I should quit orchestra. But throughout school year I quickly abandoned that idea because I had such a wonderful time in orchestra that year. I would always look forward to that class as much as I could because he always made it fun for me and the students he taught. You can tell he deeply cares about each and every student individually. A man like this shouldn’t be let go. Especially now since the music program is growing.
K
Karen Paganelis
7 years ago
I don’t currently have a child in the music program but I believe it is hugely important especially in this community with so many students participating. I’m also disappointed in the insensitive manner this was conducted. It is sending a negative message loud and clear to the community.
C
Craig Wassel
7 years ago
Teach our students something about going way out of your way for someone who deserves it, and find a way to keep Mr. Griffith.
K
Kyle Star
7 years ago
I am in band, so I don’t personally know him, but I do know that he is always friendly when I walk through the halls. He inspired my friend, Joshua, to demonstrate his composing talent. He is a happy face to see and his students love him. Please preserve Mr. Griffith!
K
Kristin Savas
7 years ago
Reinstate Griffith!
A
Anonymous
7 years ago
With all the evidence that music and the arts help children's development and raise grades, this is sad that an outstanding district such as Batavia chooses to eliminate the orchestra director
Band instrumentalists cannot do justice to string students.
C
Charles Wankat
7 years ago
Please reinstate Mr. Griffith and support BPS101 music program
K
Katelyn Wankat
7 years ago
I am a Junior at BHS and have been in orchestra since 5th grade, and cutting the RMS orchestra teacher is a disservice to RMS students and the BPS101 music program
G
Greg Moss
7 years ago
Exceptional educator
T
Teri Wankat
7 years ago
Mr. Griffith is a huge asset to the BPS101 music program, and to think he is dispensable to cover the cost of an additional core teacher is disappointing and hurtful to our students. I support our music program as a member of music buffs, and participate in the multiple fundraising events with my children that generate funds for all the “extras”. This is in addition to our outrageous property tax bills where the bulk goes to BPS101, so I am sure cuts could be made elsewhere to accommodate the need for a new “core” teacher.
This was a careless and disappointing decision made by RMS and displays how the district feels about the music program.
C
Christy Motley
7 years ago
Disgraceful decision! Griffith should be reinstated!
A
Amy Schwartz
7 years ago
This is a travesty!!
C
Carrigan
7 years ago
He is a great inspiring teacher who all of his students love. Get rid of him and you will be getting rid or the only inspiration many of the kids at Rotolo have.
E
Elizabeth Wheeler
7 years ago
My son is in 11th grade, and is currently on the Disney trip with symphony orchestra. The elementary orchestra program set in motion his love for music and has been pivotal in his social, emotional and academic success. Letting an orchestra teacher go and tasking a band teacher with the program demands sends a clear message to your community that the Yorkville district is failing to understand the needs of our students and teachers as well as the music program. Please reconsider this decision.
S
Suzanne Heronemus
7 years ago
BHS has had a decades-long tradition of outstanding music education. This kind of decision betrays that tradition and dedication to excellence.
W
Walter Villacreses
7 years ago
Mr Griffith has reinvigorated my 8th grade daughter's love for playing music. It's a shame that BPS101 believes that eliminating a key position such as a music director is even an option. We moved our family to Batavia for their schools and it's programs.. BPS101, set a good example for our children and show them that the arts do matter and that dedicated teachers such as Mr Griffith should be heralded and not dismissed.
A
Amy Guthke
7 years ago
It's time for the arts to stop taking a back seat, and be recognized for the important contributions they provide.
He should be staying. As an orchestra teacher, having someone less qualified teaching students orchestra will hurt the program and will not benefit the students. Chris sounds like an amazing string teacher who if allowed to continue could take the students to great places and continue to expand their knowledge. Why is it alright to cut the orchestra director, but not the band director? Would you be alright if it went the opposite direction- keep the orchestra director to teach band?
The man deserves to keep his job. Get your priorities straight Batavia. Our track is fine
You are making a huge mistake by letting him go. He is truly a treasure and if you are committed to the Arts, you could not have a better individual to lead the orchestra/music department.
I remember when I was in 7th grade when he was first hired I was debating weather or not I should quit orchestra. But throughout school year I quickly abandoned that idea because I had such a wonderful time in orchestra that year. I would always look forward to that class as much as I could because he always made it fun for me and the students he taught. You can tell he deeply cares about each and every student individually. A man like this shouldn’t be let go. Especially now since the music program is growing.
I don’t currently have a child in the music program but I believe it is hugely important especially in this community with so many students participating. I’m also disappointed in the insensitive manner this was conducted. It is sending a negative message loud and clear to the community.
Teach our students something about going way out of your way for someone who deserves it, and find a way to keep Mr. Griffith.
I am in band, so I don’t personally know him, but I do know that he is always friendly when I walk through the halls. He inspired my friend, Joshua, to demonstrate his composing talent. He is a happy face to see and his students love him. Please preserve Mr. Griffith!
Reinstate Griffith!
With all the evidence that music and the arts help children's development and raise grades, this is sad that an outstanding district such as Batavia chooses to eliminate the orchestra director Band instrumentalists cannot do justice to string students.
Please reinstate Mr. Griffith and support BPS101 music program
I am a Junior at BHS and have been in orchestra since 5th grade, and cutting the RMS orchestra teacher is a disservice to RMS students and the BPS101 music program
Exceptional educator
Mr. Griffith is a huge asset to the BPS101 music program, and to think he is dispensable to cover the cost of an additional core teacher is disappointing and hurtful to our students. I support our music program as a member of music buffs, and participate in the multiple fundraising events with my children that generate funds for all the “extras”. This is in addition to our outrageous property tax bills where the bulk goes to BPS101, so I am sure cuts could be made elsewhere to accommodate the need for a new “core” teacher. This was a careless and disappointing decision made by RMS and displays how the district feels about the music program.
Disgraceful decision! Griffith should be reinstated!
This is a travesty!!
He is a great inspiring teacher who all of his students love. Get rid of him and you will be getting rid or the only inspiration many of the kids at Rotolo have.
My son is in 11th grade, and is currently on the Disney trip with symphony orchestra. The elementary orchestra program set in motion his love for music and has been pivotal in his social, emotional and academic success. Letting an orchestra teacher go and tasking a band teacher with the program demands sends a clear message to your community that the Yorkville district is failing to understand the needs of our students and teachers as well as the music program. Please reconsider this decision.
BHS has had a decades-long tradition of outstanding music education. This kind of decision betrays that tradition and dedication to excellence.
Mr Griffith has reinvigorated my 8th grade daughter's love for playing music. It's a shame that BPS101 believes that eliminating a key position such as a music director is even an option. We moved our family to Batavia for their schools and it's programs.. BPS101, set a good example for our children and show them that the arts do matter and that dedicated teachers such as Mr Griffith should be heralded and not dismissed.
It's time for the arts to stop taking a back seat, and be recognized for the important contributions they provide.