Make Your Voice Heard! The Hawthorne Board of Education is holding their meeting tonight, May 12th at 7pm at the Hawthorne High School. Attend if you can, and speak during the public comment period in support of saving our band program!
We, the undersigned families, caregivers, and community members of Hawthorne New Jersey, strongly oppose the proposed elimination of 4th grade band across the district’s elementary schools.
Many families are only now learning about these potential cuts, despite the major impact they would have on our children’s educational experience. We believe families deserve transparent communication regarding proposed budget decisions and clear information about which student programs may be affected next year.
For many students, 4th grade band is their first opportunity to explore music education in a meaningful and structured way. Band provides far more than music instruction. It builds confidence, discipline, teamwork, creativity, perseverance, and a sense of belonging. For some children, band is the very reason they feel connected to school and something they have been looking forward to since kindergarten.
Eliminating 4th grade band would:
- Reduce access to arts education at a critical developmental age
- Limit opportunities for students who may not otherwise have access to music programs outside of school
- Weaken the district’s commitment to a well-rounded education
- Remove a creative outlet that supports students socially and emotionally
- Take away a program that many children have eagerly anticipated for years.
- Undermine the future of the Hawthorne band program by reducing the number of students entering middle school and high school band programs.
Eliminating the 4th-grade band would immediately shrink participation and weaken the long-term strength and sustainability of the entire music program, especially as the district's middle school band is growing and the high school program has its first real opportunity for renewed growth in years.
Healthcare costs are soaring for districts across the state. The federal government has not prioritized education. The state has given Hawthorne a small increase in school aid. Residents will be burdened by one of the largest school district tax increases in the state. We understand that difficult budget decisions must sometimes be made. However, cuts that directly impact students’ access to the arts should not happen quietly or without meaningful community discussion and transparency.
We urge district leadership and the Board of Education to:
- Preserve 4th grade band across all elementary schools
- Clearly communicate all proposed program cuts to families before decisions are finalized
- Engage families, educators, and community stakeholders in open dialogue regarding budget priorities
- Continue investing in programs that support the whole child, academically, socially, emotionally, and creatively
Music education matters. Our children deserve opportunities to discover their passions, express themselves creatively, and feel connected within their school community.
By signing below, with respect and determination, we urge the district to reconsider the proposed elimination of 4th grade band.
Updates
Reached 500 supporters
June 12, 2026
Reached 250 supporters
May 11, 2026
Reached 100 supporters
May 11, 2026
178 Comments
As the parent of 2 former members of the Hawthorne Caballeros, I can't express how important a music program is to children. My older son became a professional musician and music director . I a retired teacher and always encouraged children to try an instrument or join a choir.
I’m speechless to think that 4th grade band is on the chopping block. My 30 year old son loved band when he was 10. It led him to playing in a jazz band in HIGH SCHOOL. Not all children are sports orientated. Why not consider eliminating a sport? Not that I would want that but why the arts?
Music is an important part of a kid’s life. It brings structure and a place to belong. Not all kids enjoy sports. Band is a place where regardless of skill or athletic ability a kid will find acceptance and a special calm that everyone, young and old, needs.
Band for 4th graders sets the stage for middle school and high school involvement. Elementary school allows them to try out different instruments, learn to read music and play as part of a group.
As a member of the Hawthorne Caballeros and an elementary music teacher, this is not a good move for any school district to make. Music and band is integral to any child’s education. If you want the success at the secondary level and beyond you need to start at the elementary level.
Music for all!
Music education is paramount to learning. Get rid of the expense of chromebooks and get back to paper and pencils.
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Make Your Voice Heard! The Hawthorne Board of Education is holding their meeting tonight, May 12th at 7pm at the Hawthorne High School. Attend if you can, and speak during the public comment period in support of saving our band program!
We, the undersigned families, caregivers, and community members of Hawthorne New Jersey, strongly oppose the proposed elimination of 4th grade band across the district’s elementary schools.
Many families are only now learning about these potential cuts, despite the major impact they would have on our children’s educational experience. We believe families deserve transparent communication regarding proposed budget decisions and clear information about which student programs may be affected next year.
For many students, 4th grade band is their first opportunity to explore music education in a meaningful and structured way. Band provides far more than music instruction. It builds confidence, discipline, teamwork, creativity, perseverance, and a sense of belonging. For some children, band is the very reason they feel connected to school and something they have been looking forward to since kindergarten.
Eliminating 4th grade band would:
- Reduce access to arts education at a critical developmental age
- Limit opportunities for students who may not otherwise have access to music programs outside of school
- Weaken the district’s commitment to a well-rounded education
- Remove a creative outlet that supports students socially and emotionally
- Take away a program that many children have eagerly anticipated for years.
- Undermine the future of the Hawthorne band program by reducing the number of students entering middle school and high school band programs.
Eliminating the 4th-grade band would immediately shrink participation and weaken the long-term strength and sustainability of the entire music program, especially as the district's middle school band is growing and the high school program has its first real opportunity for renewed growth in years.
Healthcare costs are soaring for districts across the state. The federal government has not prioritized education. The state has given Hawthorne a small increase in school aid. Residents will be burdened by one of the largest school district tax increases in the state. We understand that difficult budget decisions must sometimes be made. However, cuts that directly impact students’ access to the arts should not happen quietly or without meaningful community discussion and transparency.
We urge district leadership and the Board of Education to:
- Preserve 4th grade band across all elementary schools
- Clearly communicate all proposed program cuts to families before decisions are finalized
- Engage families, educators, and community stakeholders in open dialogue regarding budget priorities
- Continue investing in programs that support the whole child, academically, socially, emotionally, and creatively
Music education matters. Our children deserve opportunities to discover their passions, express themselves creatively, and feel connected within their school community.
By signing below, with respect and determination, we urge the district to reconsider the proposed elimination of 4th grade band.
Updates
Reached 500 supporters
June 12, 2026
Reached 250 supporters
May 11, 2026
Reached 100 supporters
May 11, 2026
178 Comments
You are affecting the future soul of Hawthorne. Anyone can check stats and scores to develop how the students compare quantitatively with a comparable town. Band is the uniting force from 4-12, parents and students, directors to teachers and countless of connections to vested interested communities in Hawthorne.
As the parent of 2 former members of the Hawthorne Caballeros, I can't express how important a music program is to children. My older son became a professional musician and music director . I a retired teacher and always encouraged children to try an instrument or join a choir.
I’m speechless to think that 4th grade band is on the chopping block. My 30 year old son loved band when he was 10. It led him to playing in a jazz band in HIGH SCHOOL. Not all children are sports orientated. Why not consider eliminating a sport? Not that I would want that but why the arts?
Music is an important part of a kid’s life. It brings structure and a place to belong. Not all kids enjoy sports. Band is a place where regardless of skill or athletic ability a kid will find acceptance and a special calm that everyone, young and old, needs.
Band for 4th graders sets the stage for middle school and high school involvement. Elementary school allows them to try out different instruments, learn to read music and play as part of a group.
As a member of the Hawthorne Caballeros and an elementary music teacher, this is not a good move for any school district to make. Music and band is integral to any child’s education. If you want the success at the secondary level and beyond you need to start at the elementary level.
Music for all!
Music education is paramount to learning. Get rid of the expense of chromebooks and get back to paper and pencils.
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You are affecting the future soul of Hawthorne. Anyone can check stats and scores to develop how the students compare quantitatively with a comparable town. Band is the uniting force from 4-12, parents and students, directors to teachers and countless of connections to vested interested communities in Hawthorne.