We are signing this petition as concerned parents and caregivers at PS 61 Arthur O. Eve School of Distinction. We are writing because we are very worried about the proposed budget cuts that could remove the full-time violin and full-time theater programs at our school.
The arts programs are a vital part of PS 61. They are the main reasons many families choose this school. Many students find that the arts curriculum connects them to learning in a way that traditional school programs do not.
Mr. Muhammad’s violin program gives young students the chance to learn a musical instrument, practice together, and perform in front of an audience. Many children would never have this opportunity anywhere else. Learning violin helps students build confidence, discipline, and pride in their work.
The theater program gives students the chance to act, speak, and work together to create performances. Students learn teamwork, courage, and how to express themselves in front of others. For many children, this is the first time they discover their voice.
Families from Kensington, Fillmore-Leroy, the University District, and many other neighborhoods send their children to PS 61 because of these programs. The arts are part of what makes our school special and brings our community together. Theater and violin are not “add ons” to the rest of the arts, but are a necessary part of the whole exploratory arts program, helping our children learn how to succeed in school and life, engaging them in education in a way they may never encounter otherwise.
If these programs are cut, it will change the character of the school and hurt the experience of our students. Programs like these are also very hard to rebuild once they are gone.
Please protect the violin and theater programs at PS 61.
Thank you for supporting the students and families of Buffalo Public Schools.
Sincerely,
Concerned Parents and Caregivers
PS 61 Arthur O. Eve School of Distinction
Updates
Reached 100 supporters
March 11, 2026
67 Comments
Please keep the arts programs for my children. I probably tell everybody my kids go to the school because it's so unique and so amazing
As a retired educator, every opportunity that you give to children is a teaching and learning moment in their lives. They need all of the exposure they can get to let them then run at their own pace. All children grasp things differently and they must have those extra chances. Do not give our children less than they deserve. Please retain the violin program at 61.
Why must we continue to advocate for something that brings so much joy and good to the world? Buffalo has long been an incubator for incredible musicians and artists that go on to represent the city on an international level yet it is always readily on the chopping block. It’s time to reevaluate these priorities.
The loss of these programs, including the violin program led by a world class musician, would be detrimental to so many youth in the Buffalo community. Do not cut them.
My daughter is a part of the theater class and she really enjoys herself. I would like theater to say because it is a positive way for the children to express themselves through acting. The opportunities that this class has given not only my child, but the many others with,before and after her are very influential on their future.
This program is vital and essential to our community to our family to our children without this program. Our children will lose the consistent and the commitment that we preach about from day-to-day and how to be better students within society is crucial that program like this stays in our schools
Whenever we find something that works for our children, it is snatched away so I am asking that you allow our children to continue to thrive with all of the arts programming at this amazing School. Thank you
Sign Petition
We never post to your account. Social sign-in is used only to verify your signature.
Add a comment?
Your signature will be added via . Tell others why you're signing — it's optional.
By signing, you accept iPetitions Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.
Share Petition
Don't stop at signing, share the petition link with friends to multiply our impact
Copy link or share directly
We are signing this petition as concerned parents and caregivers at PS 61 Arthur O. Eve School of Distinction. We are writing because we are very worried about the proposed budget cuts that could remove the full-time violin and full-time theater programs at our school.
The arts programs are a vital part of PS 61. They are the main reasons many families choose this school. Many students find that the arts curriculum connects them to learning in a way that traditional school programs do not.
Mr. Muhammad’s violin program gives young students the chance to learn a musical instrument, practice together, and perform in front of an audience. Many children would never have this opportunity anywhere else. Learning violin helps students build confidence, discipline, and pride in their work.
The theater program gives students the chance to act, speak, and work together to create performances. Students learn teamwork, courage, and how to express themselves in front of others. For many children, this is the first time they discover their voice.
Families from Kensington, Fillmore-Leroy, the University District, and many other neighborhoods send their children to PS 61 because of these programs. The arts are part of what makes our school special and brings our community together. Theater and violin are not “add ons” to the rest of the arts, but are a necessary part of the whole exploratory arts program, helping our children learn how to succeed in school and life, engaging them in education in a way they may never encounter otherwise.
If these programs are cut, it will change the character of the school and hurt the experience of our students. Programs like these are also very hard to rebuild once they are gone.
Please protect the violin and theater programs at PS 61.
Thank you for supporting the students and families of Buffalo Public Schools.
Sincerely,
Concerned Parents and Caregivers
PS 61 Arthur O. Eve School of Distinction
Updates
Reached 100 supporters
March 11, 2026
67 Comments
As an older sister of a student at this school, I have seen how my sister has been fulfilled by the arts programs at this school.
Please keep the arts programs for my children. I probably tell everybody my kids go to the school because it's so unique and so amazing
As a retired educator, every opportunity that you give to children is a teaching and learning moment in their lives. They need all of the exposure they can get to let them then run at their own pace. All children grasp things differently and they must have those extra chances. Do not give our children less than they deserve. Please retain the violin program at 61.
Why must we continue to advocate for something that brings so much joy and good to the world? Buffalo has long been an incubator for incredible musicians and artists that go on to represent the city on an international level yet it is always readily on the chopping block. It’s time to reevaluate these priorities.
The loss of these programs, including the violin program led by a world class musician, would be detrimental to so many youth in the Buffalo community. Do not cut them.
My daughter is a part of the theater class and she really enjoys herself. I would like theater to say because it is a positive way for the children to express themselves through acting. The opportunities that this class has given not only my child, but the many others with,before and after her are very influential on their future.
This program is vital and essential to our community to our family to our children without this program. Our children will lose the consistent and the commitment that we preach about from day-to-day and how to be better students within society is crucial that program like this stays in our schools
Whenever we find something that works for our children, it is snatched away so I am asking that you allow our children to continue to thrive with all of the arts programming at this amazing School. Thank you
Help this petition grow
Share it with friends to help reach 250 signatures.
Sign Petition
We never post to your account. Social sign-in is used only to verify your signature.
Add a comment?
Your signature will be added via .
Tell others why you're signing — it's optional.
Signing with Google or Facebook verifies your signature instantly — no email needed.
By signing, you accept iPetitions Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.
Share Petition
Don't stop at signing, share the petition link with friends to multiply our impact
Petitions like this
Other petitions you might want to support
Scan to share
Anyone who scans this can sign the petition.
As an older sister of a student at this school, I have seen how my sister has been fulfilled by the arts programs at this school.