We Can't Take Things For Granted
Today, sitting in the audience of The Beat, I thought about my grandson who attends kindergarten in a school 50 miles away. My guts clench because I know he will not have the opportunity to collaborate with a group of students across the grades, to design a performance, have a voice in what is shared and learn that he can stand in front of 450 plus people and surprise himself at what he can do. He will not dance to express his joy. He will not have experienced the power and transformation of belonging to a community like this one.
Every day I see students working in their classrooms. I see them reach for a computer or an iPad and engage in learning so naturally - without ever a thought that this tool isn't part of their learning. I see Specialists racing from room to room to provide just the right 'extra' for any and all students who need their expertise. I see instructional assistants pulling small groups of children to ensure that the instruction is just right for where they are today. I see students leaving the building to work outside or load the small buses to go check out something in their world. I see old and new books in the hands of students snuggled up on a bean bag lost to some other imaginary world. I see students circled up sharing a thought, a wonder, a notice. I see students discovering who they are and the world they live in. I hear them talking about how they will change the world.
My grandson isn't provided PE, Performing Arts or Visual Arts. Something had to go in the budget of that school. Neither does his teacher have any support at any time during the day. Nor will he receive any specialized instruction or intervention. I'm absolutely certain his school is doing the best that they can.
We have created something so valuable, authentic and powerful for our students here at Renaissance. The school budget covers the bare basics - that means a teacher in each classroom, a principal, custodian, and office staff. Think about all that it takes to maintain what we have created. The budget numbers continue to dwindle every year and we've been significantly impacted this year. The richness of the experience for kids here is due to the financial support of our community.
Please join us this year at Life Is Art, as we raise funds to continue to support and maintain what we have at Renaissance. The event is filled with a festive ambiance, food, cocktails, live music, dancing and both live and silent auctions. It is a great opportunity to meet others in the community who want to make a difference.
Events like this aren't for everyone, and making arrangements for an evening out may be too challenging. You can still make a difference by contributing an auction item or a donation. You can drop off a handful of change, a check made payable to REA, and still be participating.
With so much appreciation and a heartfelt thanks, in advance, to all of you.
Deborah
2017 Life is Art Update: Sponsors, Tickets and More!
Life is Art will be held on Saturday, March 4 from 6:00-10:00 pm at Plum Creek Country Club. Special Early Bird ticket prices are available until February 26. Click here to purchase your tickets! Early Bird tickets are $35 for an individual and $65 for a couple.
With questions please contact: lifeisart2017@gmail.com
