The West Shore School District has been honored with the Best Communities for Music Education designation from The NAMM Foundation for its outstanding commitment to music education.
“We are honored to receive this distinction from The NAMM Foundation. With support from school administrators, our teachers work tirelessly to coordinate learning opportunities that inspire students to reach their full potential. West Shore students love making music together and we are grateful to be able to provide a nurturing environment that promotes their musical growth. As we continue to strive for new heights, I am excited to see what the future holds for our students!” – Mr. George Clements, Music Department Chair, West Shore School District
The Best Communities for 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, the West Shore School District answered detailed questions about funding, graduation requirements, music class participation, instruction time, facilities, support for the music program, and community music-making programs. Responses were verified with school officials and reviewed by The Music Research Institute at the University of Kansas.
“I’m thrilled to work in a department and school district that has such solid support from our parents, community and our own student musicians. There’s a lot of energy and growth taking place right now in the West Shore School District, and there is a palpable excitement in our music programs. Kids are feeling proud about their involvement in West Shore Music; it’s a badge of honor for them. We’re excited for where we are, but we’re even more excited for where we are headed as a department and a district.” – Mr. Brian Buterbaugh, Orchestra Director, Cedar Cliff High School & Allen Middle School, West Shore School District
This award recognizes that the West Shore School District is leading the way with learning opportunities as outlined in the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA). The legislation guides implementation in the states and replaces the No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB) which was often criticized for an overemphasis on testing-while leaving behind subjects such as music. ESSA recommends music and the arts as important elements of a well-rounded education for all children.