REQUEST FOR ART AND MUSIC DEPARTMENT EMPLOYMENT UPGRADE

I am adamantly in favor of urging the Nelson County School Board to make Laurie Davis, RRES Art Teacher, and Morgan Robertson, RRES Music Teacher, full-time employees and set a standard that shows we here in Nelson County value the arts and culture in our children’s education, and that it should be as much of their day to day lives in school as science, math, social science, reading and writing. The arts, in conjunction with these other subjects, are crucial to our children’s development as independent and creative thinkers. It is proven that there is a deep connection between arts education and academic achievement. Involvement in the arts is associated with improvements in reading, writing, math, critical thinking, cognitive ability, and verbal skills. Arts participation can also advance self-confidence, concentration, motivation, inspiration, and teamwork. This year, Mrs. Davis and Ms. Robertson have over 70 students participating in our school musical, the Wizard of Oz!

Thank you for your consideration.