Ms. Watkins Music Program Grant

Jones Jaguar Music Program

Ms. Watkins's supplies project at Jones Elementary School in Springdale, AR 

Completed!

September 8, 2010
$542 given
9 donors

Can you imagine a world without music? Most of us can't. Music is a place of comfort, relaxation, and enjoyment and also a source of learning. For my students the everyday struggles they face are a challenge that many adults don't even have to endure and music is their refuge.

Over ninety-seven percent of my students are living in poverty and are members of our free or reduced lunch program. When we think of poverty we think of third world countries but it is right here in America too. Many of my students come to school tired from the lifestyle that is lived in their home. For these children, school is a safe haven and music is a place of expression. Even when a child struggles in school they can excel in music. If these students are not exposed to instruments and music in my classroom, they may not ever be. I have an open door policy with my students. They know that before, after, and anytime I don't have a class my door is always open. I am there to help with homework, talk, or just say hello. Many of my students don't complete their homework because there is no one at home to help them with it. Most of my students speak English as their second language, so they are not only struggling with living in poverty but are also struggling to learn English.

Music gives my students a chance to express themselves and succeed. They are able to enjoy learning about culture, art, science, math, writing, and learning English through the joy of music. The supplies that I have requested would be put to everyday use in my classroom. Each day the instruments would be in a student's hands and the books would be utilized. Without these opportunities in my music class, some of my students may never have them. We will be singing songs that will increase their language skills, playing songs that will help to build brain function that also develops language skills and the activities that we will do as a group will help to expand their knowledge about music as well as the world and academic content material.

Without your help these student will go without. There simply isn't enough money to go around all the schools we have to serve. You can make a difference for these kids. Help them to realize that they don't have to carry on the cycle of poverty, they can make a change. Help them see through the beauty of music that they can have a successful, productive life. My students need various instruments and books to learn about music.