Letter - Keep current schedule at DMS

To the editor:

I am a proud student of Jefferson High School in Alexandria. As a student council and 212 member, it is my honor to congratulate the school board on the achievement of students in District 206 scoring higher than average on the Minnesota Comprehensive Assessments (MCA) compared to regional schools of similar size. I have a concern that these scores might drop if the music departments take more cuts in budget and staffing. The changes in scheduling at Discovery Middle School proposed to the school board will make a negative impact on student MCA scores.

Research shows that students involved in music have significantly higher grades than those that are not. Is this a mere coincidence? Music increases brain power. An example of this theory is Albert Einstein, one of the smartest men of all time. In grade school, he had performed terribly. The teachers told his parents, “He is too stupid to learn.” To find an escape from school, his parents had him learn the violin. Albert attributed his intellectual gifts to music. Albert’s colleague said that Albert solved problems and equations by improvising on the violin. Similarly, all students in District 206 should be able to find their full potential intellectually because they have music opportunities.

Our schools without music would be like Albert Einstein without the violin. Music is too important in schools to take it away or limit it. The new 7th and 8th grade schedule would have longer class periods and limit options for the arts programs. I feel that longer class periods would make students tire faster, make them more antsy and make them less likely to learn. The current schedule has proven successful. Increase their brain power, increase the scores on the MCAs even more, and increase the sound of music in our schools.

Spencer Brand

Alexandria, MN

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