THE POWER OF MUSIC

I'm typing this fresh after watching (proudly) our 5th grade perform at their Holiday concert. In an attempt to avoid hyperbole, I'll try and put into words the emotion I feel when I see children singing in unison to a respectful crowd of parents.

In the wake of educational cuts that are bound to come down the line in the near future in order to balance budgets, it is SO refreshing to know how powerful and important the arts, and in this case, music is to students.

Music is in every culture. No matter what part of the world you go to, it's there, from the poorest nations to the most wealthy. A school system that attempts to take music away from the collective citizens and children needs to reexamine itself. I'm thankful that in Sunnyside, our children have the opportunity to sing and learn the fundamentals and instrumentals of music. Not every school or district has such an opportunity.

As a principal, I could not be prouder of our 5th grade student body and of our music director, along with such supportive staff. I've had my share of tough days in this building with some of the tragedies and situations that have befallen us. But today, I praise and celebrate the efforts of our students and staff.

BRAVO OUTLOOK, BRAVO!