Metuchen has been honored with the Best Communities for Music Education designation from the NAMM Foundation (National Association of Music Merchants) for its outstanding commitment to music education. Metuchen joins 476 districts across the country in receiving the award in 2016.
The Best Communities for Music Education designation is awarded to districts that demonstrate outstanding achievement in efforts to provide music access and education to all students.
Districts that have been recognized by the NAMM Foundation are often held up as models for other educators looking to boost their own music education programs.
To qualify for the Best Communities designation, Metuchen answered detailed questions about funding, graduation requirements, music class participation, instruction time, facilities, support for the music program, and community music-making programs. Responses were verified with school officials and reviewed by The Music Research Institute at the University of Kansas.
This award recognizes that Metuchen is leading the way with learning opportunities as outlined in the new federal education legislation, the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA). The legislation, signed into law in December 2015, replaces No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB), which was often criticized for an overemphasis on testing — while leaving behind subjects such as music. ESSA recommends music and the arts as important elements of a well-rounded education for all children.
“I want to congratulate our music teachers, who are great musicians themselves. They are an inspiration to our students,” said Christine DeSimone, supervisor of Music, Art and World Language. “The level of student engagement is very high in all grades throughout the district. This award also recognizes the role of the community. We are fortunate to have parents and community who believe strongly in the arts. There are many behind-the-scenes people who are involved in a successful program, such as the Metuchen Music Enrichment & Development Organization, The Metuchen Education Foundation, the faculty, who allow our students the time to take their lessons, and the Custodial staff at all of our schools.”
The NAMM Foundation is a nonprofit supported in part by the National Association of Music Merchants and its approximately 10,300 members around the world. The foundation advances active participation in music making across the lifespan by supporting scientific research, philanthropic giving and public service programs.
