Save Dan and Sasha!

I feel it's crucial to have Art and Music included in the curriculum in a time when students' choices are so limited for creativity and expression.

There are many people who make Muscota a truly great public school. Dan and Sasha are central to this. They are extraordinary examples of public school educator excellence. Dan not only teaches our kids music, but he provides an invaluable model for an impassioned, evolved, educated life for all of our kids. And Sasha's clear, direct approach makes creativity easy, accessible and straight forward for everyone. I'm deeply grateful for their presence as models in my kids lives. They are vital members of the community and we don't want to imagine going into this unusual school year without them.

Sasha and Dan are imperative members of the Muscota teaching community. Our children learn the importance of the arts and how to use them for self expression. This is something that during this time of social seclusion is extremely important.

These 2 teachers are an important part of why students remain engaged in the rest of their educational process. I would consider it a loss - just like a loss of a math teacher.

Arts is an important pillar to a child’s education and Dan’s and Sasha’s work with our children over the past years, especially this spring was essential to our children’s academic and social emotional support. As we continue to grow through changes, music and art at Muscota is vital to ensure continuity of support during this time. We urge you to reconsider this decision.

Dan and Sasha are absolutely critical to the Muscota community. The art that Sasha made with my kindergartener last year still hangs in our house. And we counted down the minutes each week to Dan's musical morning meetings. Without Dan and Sasha, Muscota is not complete. Please don't take them away from our children who so desperately need to maintain their connections to their beloved teachers (and to the arts) during these times! It is vital that you approve the exception for the hiring freeze.

Arts + music are integral to the Muscota curriculum, not supplemental. Please make an exception to the hiring freeze on behalf of Dan + Sasha to ensure the entire student body receives the education they deserve. The kids have had to sacrifice enough over the past seven months. This should be the last thing to go.

Our arts teachers, Dan and Sasha, are critical to the creative and intellectual growth of all Muscota students. Especially for returning students, their sudden absence would be further disruption to their once fulfilling and enriching school experience. Please allow Muscota to hire our committed teachers -- kids need to share in their exploration of the arts now more than ever.

5 years ago Featured

We chose to send our daughter to Muscota because of the central role arts plays in the school. And that wonderful education is due in large part to Dan and Sasha. They are absolutely necessary to the life of this school, and the education we chose for our child.

Please keep Dan and Sasha at Muscota. The art and music program is why we chose Muscota for our daughter. The kids needs them. Muscota needs them

There is no Muscota without Dan and Sasha. Their presence and influence cross grades and disciplines. We are dealing with so much change that our children need the arts In a way that only Dan and Sasha are able to provide. From a parent desperate for my child to have a positive, healing MUSCOTA experience this crazy year - PLEASE bring Dan and Sasha back!

The only way through these challenging days is to look for and preserve community, joy, and relationships whenever possible. Sasha and Dan make it possible for our school to function and are not expendable or replaceable. Particularly during a year when the DOE is mandating that curriculum be infused with trauma-informed strategies and content, we need these teachers to support required practices and hold our community together during difficult times.

We need Dan and Sasha, they’re excellent teachers.

Hi, I'm Isabella's mom. Muscota's rich art and music program make Muscota what it is. I can't imagine this year without them. The kids need them Dan and Sasha. Dan ensured the kids kept a sense of normalcy when the school went remote. The kids looked forward to seeing him every Thursday rallying the kids to keep their excitement about Muscota alive. We need them at Muscota.

Our children have been attending Muscota for the past 17 years. The arts at Muscota are an integral part of their education and a fundamental reason why we chose Muscota. Music and art are not “extras”. We need Dan and Sasha’s expertise, especially during this extremely difficult time.

The commitment to excellence and inspiration as practiced by Dan and Sasha is non pareil. They are the reason children flourish in all pursuits.

I believe Dan and Sasha are an integral part of my son's education, especially in this time of online learning.

Please we need Art and Music, specially in this pandemic children need happiness

We REALLY need DAN and SASHA please

Dan and Sasha are vital to the education of my child and the success of our community. They are not "extras" or "luxuries,” nor are they interchangeable with other qualified music or art teachers. They are tremendously talented artists, exceptional educators, and they are essential to the fabric of our Muscota community.