If you have noticed that funding for the arts in your children’s schools has become almost nonexistent, you are not alone. Parents all over the country are expressing their concern over such a strong focus on STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) classes that budgetary funds simply aren’t being allocated to music, art, and drama like they once were.
Everything seems to be about data and technology, but parents feel that the arts are what define our civilization. The arts are the human element our children seem to be missing out on, which is why so many parents are taking it upon themselves to find financial resources to fund those non-academic classes. As a concerned parent, there are ways you can help raise funds needed to keep those programs alive and well in our school system. Here is some of what you can do.
Organize a Fundraiser
The only thing better than seeing your family name in neon lights in Times Square would be to walk the path to the front door of your child’s school, paved with your family name on engraved bricks. This makes an amazingly successful fundraiser because parents who want to be remembered as passionate about the cause will be more than happy to donate to a fundraising project like this.
Perhaps the PTA could organize the fundraiser, but every brick ‘bought’ can go towards another musical instrument, a music teacher’s salary, or even those much-needed supplies for the art room. If the Board of Education can’t find the funds, you can show them how it’s done!
Seek Sponsors in the Community
Do you have a music store in the community that sells musical instruments and teaches private lessons? These will often be more than happy to raise awareness of the importance of music in today’s educational system.
As artists themselves, owners of music shops know just how music shaped their lives and are willing to help other budding artists get a sound music education in school. Besides, music is a way to let the brain relax after all that studying subjects as complicated as those in STEM.
Sell Tickets for a School Concert
If your child’s school doesn’t have a chorus director, band leader, or drama coach, you can volunteer to produce a concert or play to raise funds. Sell those tickets so the money can be put into an account to fund the arts within that school. Many parents have some drama in their background or have played in high school bands once upon a time. Why not direct a concert or a play for which tickets can be sold? Parents love to see their kids on stage, so these will often sell like hotcakes.
Just because your local school board didn’t see fit to allocate funds for the arts doesn’t mean they can’t be found. It may take a little time and effort on your part as a concerned parent, but you will be providing that extra special education that no longer seems to be something school boards are willing to fund. Even if you are in a district that does fund these programs, they can always use a bit of extra help.