The National Association of Music Merchants Foundation honored the Port Washington School District last week with its “Best Communities for Music Education” designation for the district’s dedication to music education.
The foundation, which awarded 527 districts with the designation and provided 92 schools with music education scholarships, recognizes efforts by teachers, administrators, parents, students and community leaders who work toward the school’s music education success.
This is the district’s third consecutive year receiving the designation.
“Congratulations to all of our music teachers and students,” Kevin Scully, director of creative arts, K-12, said in a statement. “This award is not only based on quality, but also curricular offerings and broad community support. A wholehearted thank you to all of our nonmusic teachers, support staff, custodians, maintenance department, parents, administrators, Board of Education, HEARTS, The Ed. Foundation, the HSA/PTA’s, and the community as a whole.”
The designation, which has been given out for 18 years, is based on a survey filled out by teachers about funding, graduation requirements, music class participation, instruction time, facilities, support for the program and other community music programs, according to a news release.
The responses are then reviewed by the Music Research Institute at the University of Kansas.
“Studying music has intrinsic benefits and, on its own, is core to learning. Also, the links between student success and music education have now been demonstrated by brain researchers in multiple studies,” said Mary Luehrsen, executive director of the NAMM Foundation.
“It’s no secret that our district and community value music education, along with the other fine and performing arts,” Superintendent of Schools Kathleen Mooney said. “This shows through the performances given by our students, who I have had the privilege of watching through the years. Congratulations to Mr. Scully and all of the fine music teachers in Port for once again setting an example for other music educators throughout the country.”
