[Members] URGENT! PLEASE READ!

[Valerie Palmieri]

Dear MASTA members.  This is a SOS – Save our Strings in Livonia.  Please
read the below information.  I know there are many MASTA members who are
former Livonia grads who can speak about the benefits that Livonia has
provided in the past for string education and what it does for kids!  Many
of you have been there – and know how a State wide push can sometimes move
mountains.  PLEASE take a precious few moments and write/send an email to
the names listed below.  This state effort may not save this program but it
sure should make them realize that we all care.

Thanks for all you do!

Hi Val,
Is there anything MASTA can do?  I'll send a copy of the petition as
well...sorry I'm not computer savvy enough to do it in the same email.
Cathy
----- Original Message -----
From: Kathy Bilger <mailto:bilgerfamily at sbcglobal.net>
To: Kathy Bilger <mailto:bilgerfamily at sbcglobal.net>
Sent: Friday, April 21, 2006 8:28 PM
Subject: FW: Livonia Strings URGENT REQUEST

Dear Parents,
As you may have read in the news over the last several weeks, the Livonia
Public Schools has been undergoing a crisis. The school board seeks to
change the school configurations which has resulted in a lawsuit by
concerned parents.  The school board has promised that by closing schools
and reconfiguring buildings that upper elementary, junior high and high
school students will benefit by more special classes.  Parents were very
concerned with the music programs.  The board had cut back music programs in
recent years.  The new proposal will bring back band and vocal music at the
5-6 level but not orchestra.  Orchestra will be phased out of Livonia
schools.
I do not know your stand on the Legacy Initative or the school board recall
petition.  I do offer this information to any and all LYPM parents because
it affects the future of our children.  The LYPM has been around for many
years and we will fight to stay around for many more.  We look to grow our
group with new orchestras for next year at the beginner and intermediate
levels. I will say that it has been shown that when students do not have a
school band or orchestra, they are less likely to stay in music.
A second email will be forwarded with the petition.  I will be speaking to
the school board at the Monday meeting, please join me if you are able.

Kathy Bilger


  _____

From: SOSLivonia2006 [mailto:soslivonia2006 at sbcglobal.net]
Sent: Friday, April 21, 2006 1:37 PM
To: bilgerfamily at sbcglobal.net; dbilger at HTDconnect.com
Subject: Livonia Strings URGENT REQUEST
An URGENT message to friends of Livonia Public Schools Strings Programs with
only 4 days to respond – S.O.S. – Save Our Strings:

Elementary strings instruction for L.P.S. has been cancelled for fall 2006.
This can be verified by speaking with any strings or orchestra teacher or by
calling the school board office:  744 2500 – Shelia Alles ext. 42642.

One additional Middle School, Holmes, will no longer have an orchestra in
fall 2006.
Only Emerson and Frost Middle Schools will retain their Orchestra programs
in 2006.

Only one LPS Board of Education meeting remains scheduled this spring and it
is a “special meeting” with audience commentary only listed at the very
beginning of the
6:30 p.m. meeting on Monday, April 24 at the school board offices on
Farmington south of 5 Mile Rd.   Only the first 5 people who sign up will be
given a chance to speak.  Others who attend the meeting can stand and
support someone speaking in an effort to save the strings programs if they
are given an opportunity to speak.
ONLY THE PRESENCE OF MANY CONCERNED PEOPLE MAY BE ABLE TO REINSTATE THE
ELEMENTARY STRING INSTRUCTION CLASSES.

A 3/17/06 LPS “Legacy Initiative Update” brochure states that the
Demographics Committee recommended the new grade configuration for improved
educational programs 
 “restoring or adding programs at the 5th and 6th
grade level
”

How long will it take for String Orchestra programs to be eliminated at the
remaining 2 Middle Schools and 3 high schools without opportunities for
prior string instruction?

Please speak or write to:

LPS School Board Members - e-mail addresses are available at:
http://www.livonia.k12.mi.us/

Dr. Randy Liepa, Superintendent of Schools – rliepa at livonia.k12.mi.us
<mailto:rliepa at livonia.k12.mi.us>

Shelia Alles, Dir. Of Academic Services – salles at livonia.k12.mi.us
<mailto:salles at livonia.k12.mi.us>

Please consider signing and encouraging others to sign the petition sent in
a separate
e-mail for delivery to the school board in 4 days.  Thank you.

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