News of Interest

• You all have probably heard of the budget cuts that Fairfax County is looking to do to the education department. What you may not have heard is that the elementary school band and string programs are slated to be eliminated in the next budget year. 117 teachers would be eliminated. The cut amounts to only $7 million out of the $162 million shortfall. This would mean the end of the quality programs as we know them and could mean their displaced elementary teachers could be assigned high school positions based on seniority and such. I read this to mean that a teacher that has no experience in high school band type programs with more years could displace a teacher with those criteria. We will need to mobilize our most vocal voices and get all parents onboard to oppose this budget cut. The county is still forming the straw list for what is cut and it is always changing.

   

  Here is the link to the news release: http://commweb.fcps.edu/newsreleases/newsrelease.cfm?newsid=1276

   

  Please make your voices heard. Cutting music in elementary school MAY save a few dollars now, but the total negative impact over many, many years will far outweigh any short-term savings. This will severely impact not only the kids in elementary school, but middle school and high school music programs as well in the years to come.  Starting music at a young age is so important. We can't let the county cut music programs.

   

  How Can I Help- you may ask? Here's how. First! Sign the online petition to save the music.

   

  Go to the County web site and complete the Budget Feedback Form online. It only takes a minute and you don't have to provide any personal information. You can find that link here:

  http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/survey/fy11suggestions.htm

   

  OR, Attend a community dialog on the budget. To attend, you need to register, and you can do that at this link, or by calling 703-324-9400. http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/survey/fy11communitydialogue.htm

   

• Westfield will be once again be recognized by VAMEA as a BLUE RIBBON SCHOOL 2008-2009. This is indeed represents excellence at the highest level and congratulations to all involved.
• 2008 June Concert Wounded Warrior Contributions Letter
• Read review from the Carnegie Hall performance
• Thank you Note from Shenandoah Conservatory
• U.S. House Resolution Supporting School-Based Music Education Passes Unanimously
• John Hughes Inspirational Story (youTube)