Churchville-Chili has been honored with the Best Communities for Music Education designation from the NAMM Foundation for its outstanding commitment to music education. Churchville-Chili joins 476 districts across the country in receiving the prestigious award in 2016.
The Best Communities Music Education designation is awarded to districts that demonstrate outstanding achievement in efforts to provide music access and education to all students.
To qualify for the Best Communities designation, Churchville-Chili answered detailed questions about funding, graduation requirements, music class participation, instruction time, facilities, support for the music program and community music-making programs. School officials verified the responses and then sent them to The Music Research Institute at the University of Kansas for review.
This award recognizes Churchville-Chili as leading the way with learning opportunities as outlined in the new federal education legislation, the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA). The legislation, signed into law in December 2015, replaces No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB), which received criticism for an overemphasis on testing – while leaving behind subjects such as music. ESSA recommends music and the arts as important elements of well-rounded education for all children.
“Maintaining high level music education and performance opportunities for our students is vital not just because it enhances the culture and atmosphere of the school, but for the greater meaning and purpose it brings to the lives of every student involved,” said Jeff Smith, Director of Fine Arts. “Being recognized as a ‘Best Community for Music Education’ honors the commitment to music education that our district has made and is a testament to the outstanding work being done each and every day by our dedicated students and teachers.”
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