Like so many aspects of our lives, the COVID-19 required transition to virtual learning has thrown a spotlight on inequities in education. The cultural sector is deeply committed to bringing more balance and making sure that every child has access to high quality learning opportunities. That’s why Arts Education in Maryland Schools and Arts Every Day are active members of the Maryland Education Coalition (MEC). Together with over 25 other organizations and individuals, they advocate for adequate, equitable funding and systematic accountability for an estimated 900,000 Maryland public school students regardless of their academic, socioeconomic, geographic, racial, or other status.
To learn more about MEC’s priorities for the 2021 Legislative Session and how you can become an advocate, you are invited to attend a virtual town hall event, "Equity for Students Now: Call to Action” being held on Wednesday, January 27 from 6:00 PM to 7:30 PM.
The event will include a keynote address from Emma Dorn, Global Education Practice Manager for McKinsey and Company, a panel of MEC members discussing solutions to the learning loss experienced by students due to Covid-19, and testimonials from students themselves.
Topics will also include the strategy to override the Governor’s veto of the $3.4 billion Blueprint for the Future Bill developed by the Kirwin Commission and how the bill and funding equity might be improved. Please sign up and share these links to the Facebook Event and the Eventbrite invitation, with your networks today! For more information on the Blueprint, see the websites of the Maryland Association of Boards of Education and Maryland Blueprint.org.
If you are a teacher looking for resources, The Hippodrome Foundation (HIFI) is rolling out an exciting new, free virtual program called AT THIS STAGE
AT THIS STAGE – “Lessons that Perform” is a series of digital theater workshops for K- 12 students, presented in partnership with Camp Broadway. HFI is sponsoring the program so there is no fee for schools, teachers, or students. Each workshop session is recorded so a teacher who has a time conflict can share the recorded session with their students at another time. But teachers can also participate in live sessions – with Broadway experts! All you need to do is sign up here. If you have questions, contact HIFI Education Director Barb Wirsing at [email protected].
Also, the Modell Lyric is proud to announce its fourth annual Dream BIG Contest, in honor of the historic presidency and legacy of Barack Obama. In honor of President Barack Obama, the Modell Lyric is asking students to share the important dreams they have for their lives, communities, and families. Students in grades 5th-12th living in Baltimore City and Baltimore County are eligible to enter the contest with either a 300-word essay, a one-page poem, or a 60-second edited video. Between 5-10 selected finalists will have the opportunity to share their work and receive a $100 honorarium. You can find additional details here, or for more information contact Denise Kumani Gantt, Director of Education [email protected] or Ron Williams, Education Manager [email protected].
Finally, and on another note, this is the last week for the campaign to support the musicians who performed at An Die Musik between March 20 and December 31. Musicians have been particularly hard hit by the pandemic and could really use your help. Make a Donation to Support An die Musik Live and Musicians by January 31, 2021, by following the link above.
Remember to keep masking up,
Jeannie
