June 23, 2024

Dear Northshore Middle School Music Program supporter,

You may have heard that the 5th grade music program has been cut for the 2024-25 school year throughout the district. This decision has been finalized at the school board level. This is regrettable and we will be looking at ways to strengthen the pathways into the program next year and beyond.

You may not have heard that cuts to band and orchestra class offerings are still being considered at the school level at Northshore Middle School for 2024-25. The proposed changes could mean that there 1) will be fewer levels available (beginning, intermediate, advanced) for band and orchestra students, which are essential for progression and to maintain student interest, and 2) there would be overcrowding in classrooms for incoming students, which is a tough learning environment. This is despite strong student enrollment numbers in music classes and interest in band and orchestra classes increasing.

The proposed cuts are in response to lower enrollment numbers at NMS that are impacting staffing overall; student enrollment and interest in band and orchestra classes remain strong. Importantly, these cuts have not yet been finalized. The process to set classes and staffing is still underway so please make your voice heard. Here's what you can do:

1. Email principal Saitz (ksaitz@nsd.org) to ask her to put the students first and keep our program strong. NMS should offer beginning, intermediate and advanced level classes for band and orchestra students so they have appropriate levels and learning opportunities. Please share about the positive impact that the band/orchestra program has had on your student. If your student is continuing at NMS in 2024-25, consider having your student reach out to her as well. 

2. Share this message with other parents you know to encourage them to do the same.
   
   

Feel free to email our booster team with questions. Thank you for your supporting the Northshore Middle School Music Program!