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| By Katelyn Gendron Reminder Assistant Editor WEST SPRINGFIELD For years school systems have been faced with budgetary constraints causing the dismissal of arts programs from numerous curriculums. Last fall, West Springfield Public School Superintendent Suzanne Marotta established a Creative Arts Committee in the hopes of gaining funding to aid the system's budget and curriculum. "I think that all the emphasis on the MACS (Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System) has been our focus for so many years that we've missed an entire element of the creative right brain activities that schools used to pride themselves upon," Marotta, co-chair of the Creative Arts Committee, said. "We've done all the addressing on academics and we must look into all that we can do for those youngsters who have other talents." Marotta explained that she and approximately 35 other members of the committee have worked to gain a $30,000 per year Massachusetts Cultural Council (MCC) Creative Schools grant to establish a firm arts curriculum. Bill Garvey, co-chair of the Creative Arts Committee, explained that if awarded, this two-year grant will be used in several areas. He said that first a portion of the funds will be used for a district-wide arts assessment; the drafting of a master plan establishing a set arts curriculum; and funds will also be used for additional personnel and facilities promoting the arts. In addition to the standard application, the committee has also drafted "A Letter of Commitment to the Arts," to be signed by city officials and members of the community. Garvey said he hopes that this letter will illustrate West Springfield's commitment to quality arts education to the MCC. Garvey gave a presentation regarding the grant and the committee's goals to the School Committee and Town Council earlier this month. He said that each member of the School Committee and Town Council has endorsed the letter. "[Arts education] is something that we as a school department and a school committee see as very important and to have people like Mr. Garvey take the lead is great," Daniel Sullivan, vice chair of the School Committee, said. "Not all kids are going to be the football or basketball players but with the arts they can show their creative side." Sullivan explained that each year the School Committee scrutinizes the budget to ensure that programs such as the arts do not have to be cut. He added, however, "You have to cut the nonessentials because you can't cut math or science." Town Councilor at-large Robert Mancini praised the Creative Arts Committee's work and said he eager to see the funding granted an implemented into the school system. "This is a worthy project for the town of West Springfield," Tony DiGiore, member of the Creative Arts Committee, said. "We could bring the arts to the core of the curriculum if we can do it right." DiGoire, who taught music education in the school system for over 30 years, said he is looking forward to the evolution of the school's art curriculum through classroom and afterschool activities in the event that they receive the grant. Diane Daily, education programs manager at the MCC, said the purpose of the grant established in 2000 and awarded to approximately 35 school districts or individual schools biannually is to help schools support professional and curriculum development and arts education planning. She explained that individual schools are eligible for up to $10,000 per year for two years and that school districts can request between $30,000 and $40,000 per year for two years. Daily said this grant is a practical way to help schools meet "tremendous funding pressures" and strengthen certain areas of their curriculums. She noted that all grant applicants will be notified by the beginning of September. |