Support middle school art programs

The fact that Whitefish school officials are contemplating a possible cut of art programs in the Whitefish Middle School is mind-boggling. Art programs are a necessity for further learning and growth and if these necessary programs are cut, an unfortunate lasting negative consequence will be inflicted upon our society’s young people.

I am sure you are well informed of the duties of the Montana State Board of Public Education. One of the board’s publicized duties is to “adopt policies for the special education of handicapped and gifted and talented students.” The board’s posted mission statement (www.bpe.state.mt.us/mission.shtml) explains that they will constitutionally recognize the “goal of the people to establish a system of public education which will develop the full educational potential of each person.”

The board’s choice to say that they will work to develop an education system designed for the individual means that no matter what the circumstances the individual may be under, the Montana State Board of Public Education will do their best to give the individual the education he needs that will fit his personal goals and/or struggles.

Basically, the board will do what they deem necessary to create policies for gifted and talented students. I’m sure you agree with me when I say gifted and talented students are not permanently under the category of “handicapped” or “special.” These classified talented students can range from prodigy violinists to proficient painters which is why I urge you support and help prevent the cut of art-associated programs in the Whitefish Middle School.

I ask you to be a co-sponsor of this very important issue programs because it is undeniably needed to improve the lives and intellect of the children in your district and across the country, who are inevitably the future decision makers for the United States of America.

Across the United States, more and more art programs in public school systems are losing funding. Unfortunately, many of these programs are now being erased from school curriculums due to the lack of funding from the state.

The economic recession that is now in effect within our country has definitely slowed the distribution of money to certain programs in and out of the public school systems. I fear that if the state of Montana and the city of Whitefish does not secure a place for art programs in public schools to help students flourish in all age groups, the students involved in these very important and life improving art programs will ultimately be these who lose the most important education of all.

Preventing a cut of art programs in the public school systems in the city of Whitefish is very important to me as well to my community. If art programs in Whitefish public schools are cut, the capacity for knowledge is cut in our children’s minds. Please show your support for cementing a future for “gifted and talented students” of the state of Montana and the city of Whitefish.

Zachariah Tkachyk is an art student in the Whitefish school system.