Subject: Re: [MK8] Killing music in my school

I am so sorry to hear this. I went through something similar three years
ago except I was simply not replaced and forced to teach middle school
chorus . No more music at my former school. It was a state money thing.
So hard after I spent 23 years building that program and I honestly still
mourn it sometimes. I was VERY upset no parents felt the need to protest,
but I realized later since I was transferred to the middle school and my
son was going to middle school the same year, assumption was it was
something I wanted. Whenever the kids or parents ask (my former school
feeds my current school) I tell them the truth.
Something that has comforted me: they can’t take away the years you WERE
there. The powers that be might not recognize how important that was, but
the kids do. When I am feeling particularly down, I always end up with a
Facebook message or see a former student in real life that tells me what I
meant to them. It really helps. My first parent night as a middle
school chorus teacher, I was in a panic and the very first parent to show
up was a former student. Then a second showed up across the hall as a band
parent. It just helped.
So, didn’t mean to hijack your story, but you have my full sympathy and
maybe it will work out.
Jill in NC

On Wed, May 19, 2021 at 6:53 AM wrote:
> Please help. I am beyond tears. I am retiring after 32 years. 40 if you
> count my private piano lessons I taught 3 days a week in schools. Our
> school is replacing me with Dance. Also 6th grade is moving to the
> elementary, so no band for them now OR any music. Dance. I gave my ukes
> (that I only had for two years) to the jr high teacher. Where my new
> collection of hard to get xylos and 25 keyboards go is unknown. jr high
> teacher did tell the super that she wants the instruments to be used
> somewhere. He said ask the new Dance teacher. She said she may use the
> three djembes and non pitched percussion. She wants nothing else. Nothing.
> Else. I have a huge file cabinet drawer of Music K8. Jr high doesnt want
> it. It would most likely be thrown away if I don’t salvage it. I am going
> to a private school with preK-6th and I will have high school general music
> and a college credited music appreciation class. I can use these things. I
> was under the impression music is a required class in elementary! What will
> happen the the band program? Our school has always had a great music
> program. I always have kids in elementary honor choir (altho no elementary
> “choir.” Now I stay up at night just heartbroken and fighting tears as my
> room (since 1997) is emptied of music. My students are upset, too!
>
> Sent from my iPhone
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