Dear Helena School District Board of Trustees,

I have recently heard that due to budget decisions some fine art classes are being lost. Which really surprised me because I’ve always thought that our school district really cared about having a variety of fun classes ranging from Jazz Band to Theater Tech. So, I’ve gathered my fellow students’ experiences with the fine art classes at HHS. And we would like to encourage you to prioritize these classes in later decisions. This first one is my own experience…

Natalie Zimmerman (Sophomore): I was on the Bengalettes this past year and I’m going to be one it this next year as well. I had a lot of fun and I’m looking forward to my second season. However, we are sometimes overlooked. We unfortunately missed the opportunity to go to an out of town competition because we couldn’t afford to pay the entrance fee. Which makes me so sad because I know that everyone was excited to go, and it would have been a really fun experience.

Avery Sanders (Senior): The arts are a key part of the high school experience for myself and so many others I know. The communities that each program creates give every participating student a place to learn, grow, and be creative, with so much support from so many others creating in the same field. These programs also spark and develop passions in so many students that they could not find on their own. There is so much social and emotional uplifting that these students find in art, music, theater, language, and so many more classes here at HHS. Which is not only the reason for the classes being our favorite part of school, but for some it is also the only reason kids come to school.

Carlee Coil (Senior): I’m currently the student council/student body president. Personally, I only have taken one art class in high school and losing these classes won’t affect me in any way. However, being president, this is my job to voice for the students how this is not ok. I have many friends who participate in band, art, choir, etc. and these classes make them feel included and seen. These classes give them a chance to really express themselves in any way they want. Also, not only would we lose these classes, but there would also be loss of classes with less than 20 people. This includes student council. How am I, the president, supposed to plan prom, assembly’s, winter formal, and all the other student council events without a class period to do it? 30 minutes at lunch three times a week won’t cut it. This cannot happen. Our school system is failing me, my classmates, and the teachers. It is unacceptable. We need change.

Emerson Poole (Freshman): Theatre is half of my life and I absolutely LOVE band if these wonderful programs were taken away , I would be heartbroken. Part of what makes HHS so great is all the diverse options that it provides and by removing them you remove creative outlets that may not otherwise be available to students. The arts are so important to so many people. Please, please reconsider before you get rid of these beautiful parts of our lives.

Nora Dwyer (Sophomore): Creative classes are so important. I want to go into a creative field in the future. Having all the art and music classes available help me see what part I could want to specialize in. Also having a break in my day from my harder classes allows me to relax and enjoy school more.

Serionna Kron (Sophomore): My family had had lots of trouble and stress dealing with my siblings. Music is a great escape for me and is something that I can call my own. I play piano and sing, and I don’t know who I would be without it.

Reyna Potts (Sophomore): Art is very important to many people; many don't work with the usual academics. I want opportunities to try things. In my experience and scientifically, language is really important too, it can break barriers. Killing language classes is a big deal for a lot of people.

Yuta Alvey (Sophomore): I’m in art one and have lots of friends in band. They allow for a different type of class for me and are one of the only classes I enjoy. I also think art is crucial to my mental health and wellbeing.

Ayan Vosburgh (Sophomore): The arts allow our brain to perform better. Several studies show that without the arts, our brains under perform. We need the arts, or we our limiting our potential as people.

Adelia Murrey (Junior): I SUCK at all things artistic but it’s so nice to be able to have a supportive outlet where I can make friends who can help me get better!

Natalia Traynor (Sophomore): Art is a way for me to express myself.

As you can see, the fine art classes here at Helena High are very important to its students. Which is why we strongly encourage you to do all you can to save these precious memories and irreplaceable joy in our school experience.