We, the signers of this petition, request that the Stoughton Area School District retain 5th grade elementary orchestra in the Stoughton Area School District to give all children the opportunity to participate in the arts prior to middle school. We believe that the school district is the best place to provide equitable access to music lessons for all children. We believe that music lessons provide positive cognitive and social benefits for participants. We believe that it is critical that students have a foundation in orchestra prior to entering middle school so that a) students are learning to play an instrument during the developmental stage that gives them the best chance to become a proficient player and b) the school district has offerings at the elementary school level that will be attractive to families and keep the school district on par with surrounding districts.

Thank you!