SMUSD Shout Out!
March 2023
Welcome Springtime!
Superintendent's Monthly Message
Dr. Mike Winters
Superintendent
Saddle Mountain Unified School District
@SaddleMtUSDSupt
March is Music in Our Schools and Youth Art Month
1. Music Boosts Young Brains
Immersing children in music can help boost their brain power. Music stimulates the parts of the brain associated with academic achievement, such as reading and math, and emotional development. Instead of viewing music as an extracurricular activity, consider it an overall part of your child’s education.
2. Art Improves Academic Achievement
Students involved in the arts have tremendous academic benefits compared to students without exposure to the arts. Art inspires kids to excel in and out of the classroom. It helps students stay in school, increases motivation, improves attitudes and attendance, and improves academic performance.
According to Americans for the Arts, a student involved in the arts is:
4x more likely to be recognized for academic achievement.
4x more likely to participate in a math or science fair.
3x more likely to win an award for school attendance.
3x more likely to be elected to class office.
Lower income or socioeconomic students experience even greater benefits from the arts. Low income students highly engaged in the arts are more than twice as likely to graduate compared to their peers with no arts education, and have a 5x lower dropout rate.
3. Music Can Improve Memory
Want your kids to remember their homework assignments, where they put their shoes, or to brush their teeth before bed? Music might help. Research has shown that participation in music at an early age can help improve memory. Exposing children to music in early development helps them learn word sounds and meanings, and dancing helps build motor skills. Even adults can experience memory benefits from just listening to music.
4. Music and Art Enhance Creativity
This may sound like an obvious benefit, but the effects of enhanced creativity will extend to many aspects of your child’s life. Children develop innovation skills when they’re encouraged to express themselves and take risks in creating art and playing music. Those skills can open doors later in life; 72% of employers say that creativity is the #1 skill they look for when hiring.
5. Music Improves Social Skills
It’s not always team sports that teach important social skills; playing an instrument can help, too. Music groups and ensembles can help kids develop important life skills such as teamwork, developing leadership skills, discipline, and how to relate to others.
Immersing children in the arts and music, at home, through lessons, at school and in the community, provides undeniable benefits that will help them throughout their lives.
Last chance to get a dollar for dollar tax credit!
More Great Events Happening At Our Schools
Desert Sunset Elementary: McTeacher Night Mar 1, Bookfair Mar 7-10, Kinder Round up Mar 29
Ruth Fisher Middle School: Chipotle Night Mar 4, Bookfair Mar 8-10, Robotics Dodgeball Day Mar 10, Mobile Food Pantry Mar 18
Winters' Well Elementary: McTeacher Night Mar 2, Spirit Week Mar 7-10
Tartesso Elementary: Kinder Round Up Mar 29
Tonopah Valley High School: Odyssey of the Mind Regional Competition Mar 4, Senior Parent Meeting Mar 22, FCCLA State Competition Mar 27-29, HOSA State Competition Mar 29-31
What We Believe
Mission
Educate all students to become responsible, college-and-career-ready community members.
Vision
Everyone learns, every day.
VALUES
SMUSD has a commitment to…
· Accountability
· Being trustworthy
· Caring
· Taking initiative
· Being respectful
· Believing all children are capable of success. No exceptions.
Get in touch!
Website: www.smusd90.org
Location: Saddle Mountain Unified School, West Indian School Road, Tonopah, AZ, USA
Phone: (623) 474-5115
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Saddle-Mountain-Unified-School-District-90-1315568738609878/
Twitter: @SaddleMtUSDSupt